Tahbilk have an amazing back vintage catalogue for purchase. While completing a bit of research for this tasting note, I found that the 2003 and 2006 “ESPs” can still be bought at the current retail price. Now that’s just silly for a wine that has the longevity that this will.

Tahbilk, Eric Stevens Purbrick, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nagambie Lakes, 2012

Pencil, bramble, blackcurrant, spicy cedary oak. The palate feels like the tree dude voiced by Vin Diesel from Guardians of the Galaxy: gnarled, ancient and ever so slowly evolving. Definitely a cabernet of distinction, even if the oak plays a dominant role at the moment. There’s latent blackcurrant fruit and an elegant tannin structure with surprisingly medium acidity. Cooling regional mint provides the fade out. Sure it’s a little old school, but the body and length signify longevity for the cellar or a haunch of beef for now

RRP: $71.95
Alc: 14%

Wine sample courtesy of Tahbilk