Sandalford Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Saturday, Sep 15 2007 · Posted in Margaret River, cabernet et al 

By Gary Walsh

Sandalford 2005The fruit comes off an unirrigated Wilyabrup vineyard that is now over 35 years old and the wine sees 50% new French oak.

Aromas of mulberry, cherry, bay leaf and cedar oak. It has a shovelful of that lovely Margaret River gravel smell and some minty aniseed lift that reminds me of Pastis. On the palate medium to full bodied with rich fruit offering flavours of cherry, mulberry, a bit of chocolate, tobacco and cedary oak in support. The tannins are firm and fine, the acidity lively and fresh, and it has good balance and line through the palate. The combination of quality and price make this a highly attractive proposition.

Tasted : Sep07
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : $33.95
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2010 - 2020
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Comments

9 Responses to “Sandalford Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005”

  1. Darryl on September 15th, 2007 11:46 am

    Makes me glad I took a punt and picked up a couple of these purely on spec. and for a few dollars less than rrp shown - approx $28.00. I so love the Dans/1st Choice war, particularly in a regional centre!

  2. Lincoln on September 15th, 2007 12:39 pm

    Dans is far better than 1st choice where I am in BNE… no competition really…

  3. Parb on September 17th, 2007 1:50 pm

    Just returned from Perth & took a trip up the Swan. Sandalford was the 1st port of call (was one too, but I left that to the Stelly Dan devotees). Most of the wines were very ordinary IMHO. The Cab (rated above) was one of the better, but the 04′ reserve MR shiraz was the standout. Also slugging punters ~$34 for these wines was a tad rich I thought, particlary when you consider the value of Voyager and Woodlands.

  4. Gary Walsh on September 17th, 2007 2:07 pm

    I have the 04 Reserve shiraz too I think.
    GW

  5. Gary Walsh on February 21st, 2008 8:32 am

    Bloody hell. I opened a sample of one of these last night, scored it 93 and wrote the same note as per above except for a mention of violets. Thought I remembered tasting it before!
    GW

  6. Rodney on February 27th, 2008 4:03 pm

    Who was the winemaker for this vintage?

    Who is the current winemaker?

  7. Gary Walsh on February 27th, 2008 4:22 pm

    I thought it was Paul Boulden.
    GW

  8. Rodney on February 28th, 2008 7:01 pm

    Sorry, I got mixed up with Capel Vale for some reason.

  9. Grant on February 28th, 2008 9:25 pm

    [quote comment="22288"]Just returned from Perth & took a trip up the Swan. Sandalford was the 1st port of call (was one too, but I left that to the Stelly Dan devotees). Most of the wines were very ordinary IMHO. The Cab (rated above) was one of the better, but the 04′ reserve MR shiraz was the standout. Also slugging punters ~$34 for these wines was a tad rich I thought, particlary when you consider the value of Voyager and Woodlands.[/quote]

    Parb,

    I reckon Sandalford are doing some terrific stuff of late…the 07 Sem/sauv is delicious, and this wine is spot-on…I’m drinking it tonight and it is singing.

    Cheers

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