Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Clare Valley

Tasted 19/02/2011 with Sara, Jane and Alex. 14% ABV, ca. £10 UK retail, e.g. Majestic. A step up from some big, 'in-your-face' Aussie cab sauvs. Wakefield has a stellar reputation and this wine is no disappointment. I found it very much a New World style - bright purple colour: the nose was variously described by our group as Provencal herbs, mint, bell peppers and cured ham. There was good berry fruits on the palate, some green capsicum flavours but a nice layer of vanilla. You could drink now but I'd be tempted to leave for a year to knock-off the slightly rough edges. Very good value, a good expression of Clare Valley expertise. From 2011, 16.5/20