Great Cabernets of the World: Decanter Tasting
Decanter.com
July 8, 2015
by John Stimpfig
A highly knowledgeable audience attended a fascinating, sell-out blind tasting masterclass at Decanter’s London HQ last month, which was led by three international stars of the fine wine world.
The theme was Great Cabernets of the World in honor of Santa Rita’s exceptional Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, Casa Real which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
The tasting was led by Cecilia Torres, Casa Real’s renowned and experienced winemaker and Brian Croser, Decanter’s 2004 Man of the Year. In addition, the proceedings were moderated by Decanter’s Consultant Editor, Steven Spurrier, who knows a thing or two about Blind Tastings of Premium Cabernet Sauvignon – next year is the 40th anniversary of his famous Judgement of Paris.
‘The objective was to explore the differences of style and structure of great Cabernet Sauvignons from some of the greatest terroirs and producers around the world,’ explained Croser, whose guiding winemaking philosophy has been to match noble grape varieties to exceptional vineyard sites. ‘Each of these wines has a very definitive sense of place,’ he explained.
Cullen Diana Madeline, Margaret River, Western Australia 2011
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 8% Cab Franc and aged for 19 months in barrique. Grown on old granite and gravelly sandy loam. Youthful, restrained, fine tannins. Leafy and cedary notes with a fruit profile of cassis, cola, mulberry and leather. Excellent balance and length. Low, medium body and structure with excellent acidic cut. Subtle and complex food wine.