2008 Sutton Grange Estate Cabernet Merlot
Gilles Lapalus, Winemaker Sutton Grange Winery
Good intensity carmine red, limpidity medium.
Good intensity, at first quite varietal, and then opening into more complex categories; spice (nutmeg), fresh vegetal (tomato leaf, blackcurrant bud), fruit (raspberry) and balsamic (wormwood). After more aeration the wine develops more fruit (blackcurrant) and more dry herbal (fermented hay, fresh tobacco) characteristics. A complex and subtle nose.
Clean and neat approach, soft and frank followed by intense tannins , fine grain, melting and balanced by gentle acid. The mouthfeel is subtle and elegant with medium volume, complemented by spicy aromatics (oak, cinnamon), and more fresh vegetal notes. The length of this wine is well supported by the integrated oak aromas.
This first cabernet blend of Sutton Grange is introducing a new wine developing subtle and elegant structure, showcasing the savoury and structured style of Sutton Grange. 2008 was a great vintage to start with, and this wine will certainly develop for another decade but already drinking well and demonstrating finesse. The perfect match to a warm autumnal mushrooms dish
