- Orange, NSW - $21.95
- Screwcap
- 13.5%alc
Considering Climbing is the 'up-market' label (or uphill even, its vineyard extends to 600+ metres above sea level), you could say the entire Cumulus range is sold at very reasonable prices, which helps keep the emerging wines of Orange within reach of the everyday drinker. Consumer accessibility should only benefit a region seeking greater recognition, so long as the wines provide pleasure of course.
Although fractionally thin on depth of fruit, the nose of Climbing's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is unmistakably cabernet. It's pleasingly floral and leafy around the high tones, with an aroma of vanilla/cedar oak passing through a fruit profile that displays both red and black berries. It enters the mouth with silky touch, unfolding a surprisingly savoury, earthy mouthful of forest berries back-ended by slightly raw cedar oak. To finish, it lengthens in a much drier, earthier and altogether physical manner, courtesy of a notably pushy extract of grippy, sandpaper-like tannins directing the show, and yes; they do require time to settle, even for tannin-loving me.
ü Climbing's surprisingly savoury, central ranges NSW cabernet sauvignon is a bit dry and assertive right now, but a short stint in the cellar should pay dividends. Otherwise, just pull out some deliciously fatty red meat. Drink 2013-2017.
90 points
Opened tonight, very similar thoughts.
ReplyDeleteJust read your note AG, good work. :) What I didn't mention was the second half of this bottle tasted even better with a charcoal grilled aged T-bone. :)
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