Guest review by Majamke.
In my opinion, Domaine A is Australia's best cab sauv producer. While the Stoney Vineyard is their 2nd tier label, it's still a fantastic wine and gives an indication of what this winemaker is all about.
In my opinion, Domaine A is Australia's best cab sauv producer. While the Stoney Vineyard is their 2nd tier label, it's still a fantastic wine and gives an indication of what this winemaker is all about.
Located in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, the Domaine A vineyard is exposed to some of the longest hours of sunshine in the country, which allows the grapes to mature in their own time and really enhances varietal flavours. As it's very hard to grow cabernet in cool climate conditions, the vines are close-planted which is the only way cabernet can grow in Tasmania. As such, Domaine A successfully pushes the boundaries of what can be done with cabernet.
The wine is supremely elegant, especially in this price bracket. While Bordeaux in style, it's not an imitation by any means. The purity of the Tasmanian environment is evident from the first sniff with a nose of mulberries crushed on gravel. Cigar tobacco, fresh sage along with cedar. Technically, it's lacking a bit of mid-palate density. There is a curious drop-off before finishing with more cedar and spicy oak. This is however only a minor detraction that can be easily overlooking as soon as you take another smell.
Interestingly, the fill level was base of neck, and this is the current vintage! I've seen 30 year old Bordeaux with better ullage.
Domaine A's merlot is worth hunting down too.
Website: Domaine A - Stoney Vineyard
The wine is supremely elegant, especially in this price bracket. While Bordeaux in style, it's not an imitation by any means. The purity of the Tasmanian environment is evident from the first sniff with a nose of mulberries crushed on gravel. Cigar tobacco, fresh sage along with cedar. Technically, it's lacking a bit of mid-palate density. There is a curious drop-off before finishing with more cedar and spicy oak. This is however only a minor detraction that can be easily overlooking as soon as you take another smell.
Interestingly, the fill level was base of neck, and this is the current vintage! I've seen 30 year old Bordeaux with better ullage.
Domaine A's merlot is worth hunting down too.
Website: Domaine A - Stoney Vineyard
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