- Hilltops, NSW - $13-$21
- Screwcap
- 13.5%alc
From a personal perspective I've never quite enjoyed Barwang's wines as much as others. This isn't always the case though, as two Barwang wines which impressed me recently were their rich, meaty, herbal, structured and long living 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (92pts) and the 2007 Shiraz (91pts). The latter of which I personally nominated for 'Best Wine Under $20' at the 2009 Great Shiraz Challenge.
Scented with meaty redcurrants, cassis and raw oak, the 2007 Barwang Cabernet Sauvignon further reveals faint herbal elements and notes of varnish. Its rather honest palate is surprisingly plush and deeply fruited with bright flavour, but it's also a little angular and raw, while lacking true interaction from its slightly disjointed tannic spine.
O Factoring in the very tasty Barwang Shiraz of the same year, I must admit to expecting more of this inconsistently balanced, shorter term cabernet. I'm not sure if time will see this one through the 10 years stated on its back label. Drink to 2013.
87 points
Agreed. Price has gone south over the last year or so, as has the quality. 05 & 06 however are much more impressive.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback Andrew. I'm also quite disappointed how Barwang has moved some of its fruit sourcing away from its traditional Hilltops home. Still, I wouldn't mind trying some of that flagship chardonnay...
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