Levantine Hill Samanthas Paddock Melange 2016

Levantine Hill Samanthas Paddock Melange 2016

86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec

Deep colour with brick-red rather than purple tints, and hence it appears forward-developed. There are a lot of vegetal, humus-like foresty aromas, rather than berries. It even seems stemmy, as in whole-bunch fermentation, which is unusual in cabernet. Nice oak, some tobacco elements, too. The wine is full-bodied and soft, fleshy and smooth-textured, with more berry fruit flavour than the bouquet reveals. Long carry. An interest-packed, left-field cabernet style. 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Medium purple colour with garnet edges. Redolent spice on first swirl of the glass: licorice, cloves, dried herbs and a bunchy pepper. Red and black berries with a briary seam. It's a luscious and juicier wine than the nose infers. Tannins are integrated and, with iron filings and tapenade, form part of its impressive structure. Red and black berry fruits wrapped within it. An excellent, aristocratic wine.  Rating: 97 Points; Nick Butler; The Real Review