So named for the apparent “hole” that Cabernet gets in the mid palate, subsequently Cabernet flavour profile can appear as ‘book ends;” Lots up front and down back, but not much in the middle.

West Cape Howe “Book Ends” Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Barker, 2013

18 Months in French Oak. Light pencil and tight graphite. Seems shy, before a touch of molasses savoury/sweetness kicks in along with cassis, green capsicum and smoked mussels. Jars a touch up front, angled palate but with a fine entry into the water of tart black fruit and sheets of drying tannins. The blackcurrant fruit leads to a more vegetal note. Savoury, gritty cigar ash and black olive make this feel like t’is a dusty a cowboy who just rode into town covered in…well, dust. Drinkable now in the right context, but needs a little time to settle down.

RRP : $28
Alc: 14%

Wine sample courtesy of West Cape Howe