2007 Laurance of Margaret River Icon Cabernet

It's been a while since my last post and for that I apologise, there has been a lot going on with Christmas and summer and I simply haven't been tasting and enjoying wine but merely drinking it. Criminal I know but it is that time of year.

This is a bottle that I was given as a present from a friend and I thought it stood out so much why not add it to my reviews. If you scroll down and look at the picture you will see exactly why.

Lets start with how beautiful this wine looks in the glass, beautiful deep crimson to purple red with legs to die for. The nose is exceptionally pleasant with a distinct savory almost forrest floor aroma, sweet dark plums, cassis and a light hint of violets. The palate is very approachable for what I'd call a young reserve Cabernet that is truly intended for cellaring. Blackcurrant again with chewy but approachable tannins and cigar box this wine is wonderfully juicy, lightly acidic and has great length, it just keeps going and going and going. This wine will be awesome in 5-7 years and could even go 15 to reach its peak.

Simply put, looks great, smells awesome and tastes even better. Juicy fruitiness that will make untrained palates water and trained palates rejoice. This is a cracking Margaret River Cabernet that I will definitely be investing in a case for cellaring. Great for drinking now and will only get better so a great present or bottle to lay down. This will not disappoint.

For a second we should discuss the packaging as it stands out like a sore thumb. It is definitely not a traditional bottle or labelling for their entire range and will stand out in any wine store or wine rack its put in. I can see how the purists out there would be upset by it but I think its absolutely fantastic. It would definitely grab my attention if I saw it on a shelf amongst others and would intrigue me enough to buy a bottle and try it.

James Halliday gave this a 94 which I think is a little short of the mark but its also had a really great rap from the boys a Quoff which can be viewed at http://www.qwoff.com/go/qwofftv/qwoff-tv-ep-20-featured-winery-laurance-wines, worth watching as well as the rest of the stuff from the boys down there. Personally I'd rate this in at a 9 - 9.5 out of 10 and as previously stated it will only get better with a bit of age.

Now value for money, I think second to none really, boutique Margaret River Cabernet under a reserve label.... most of us would think $70.. $85.. well no this little beauty is available from the cellar door for just $40 a bottle. You will struggle to get it much elsewhere other than in some fancy gift boxing in David Jones. I will be keeping a keen eye out for the next vintage.

I don't have much more to say really. Go get hold of a bottle and give it a try. I'll be ordering a mixed case to sample some more of the range, if they are anywhere near as good as the cellar door looks via their website or this wine its self then I may need to move them into my favourites list. Oh but be careful the website is www.laurancewines.com there is no 'au' on the end. Enjoy this wine, I am!