Paracombe Adelaide Hills The Reuben 2018

Always a pleasure to see wines which have been held back for ageing before release (and worth noting that this wine, a fraction of the price, has spent more time in the cellar before release than either the latest Grange or Hill of Grace). The Adelaide Hills wine is a Merlot dominant blend (50%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (22%), Cabernet Franc (21%), Malbec (6%) and Shiraz (1%). Around 2,000 dozen made. An inky dark maroon hue, the nose, delightfully aromatic, offers notes of violets, bay leaves, dried herbs, sage, aniseed, graphite and black fruits. This is bright and fresh, well balanced and with sleek tannins, before a long and lingering conclusion. The palate sees the emergence of notes of blueberries. This is fabulous value and will drink beautifully for the next eight to ten years. A winner!