Maturation in older French oak.

Claymore Wines, Bittersweet Symphony, Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley, 2015

A somewhat pungent nose of vanilla bean paste and blackberry compote with shaved cedary oak. Moist pouch tobacco brings a herbal lift and underscored with some wet eucalytpus leaves. A cheesy, nutty sweetness straddles vanilla pod with blackcurrant and some black tea tannins. Finishes with a fruit smear rather than a drawn out tannic affair like many young cabernet. Oak is recurring theme (like the string backing line of the namesake?) and ultimately this shows itself to be a pleasant wine, if a little simple. Drink now.

RRP: $25
Alc: 14%
Rating: 16.5/20

Wine sample courtesy of Claymore Wines