Another superb tasting from John McDonnell of Wine Australia, this time the Yarra Valley. It’s real cool climate, known mainly for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but this is a Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Punt Road is sourced from the Napoleone Family’s “Emperor’s Prize” vineyard in Coldstream. While it says Cabernet Sauvignon on the label, there are small amounts of Petit Verdot and Merlot.

Made in very small quantities, we were very lucky to get some at the Yarra Valley tasting last week in Dublin. It’s also made for extended cellaring. Full bodied, structured, elegant. At first tasting, I scribbled too much, too big, too young, too soon. It reminded me of a French en primeur tasting which we don’t see too much of in Ireland these days.

Having been kept in the fridge for 2-3 days it really mellowed out and became a new wine. Dare I say drinkable? And it was.