The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon “Mulberry Tree” was aged for 12 months in 60% American and 40% French oak ranging in age from new to 3 years. Dark ruby colored, the wine has an aromatic array of cedar, red and black currants with a touch of eucalyptus, and blackberry liqueur. This leads to a medium- to full-bodied, supple wine with forward red and black fruit flavors, excellent balance, ripe tannins and a long, pure finish. Drink this outstanding value over the next 6 years. Once again, Bleasdale Vineyards has produced a portfolio of great values that consistently over-deliver. It is the second oldest family-owned winery in Australia, having started operations in 1950 and most of the vineyards are at least 50 years of age. Winemaker Michael Potts feels that for Langhorne Creek 2004 was a “big year for both quantity and quality, better than 2005. In 2005 yields were down 20% and there were heat spikes in February making things more complicated.”Importer: Ken Onish and John Gorman, Southern Starz, Huntington Beach, CA; www.bleasdale.com

Ripe, cassis, jam fruit. Very fine mouthful. Ripe, lots of fruit. Thick, almost creamy, tannins. Long. Super balance. Lovely.

Seems a touch overripe, with fruit that leans toward the pruny side of plum, then adds dark chocolate flavors. It’s broad on the attack, then narrows considerably on the finish and is pulled together by crisp acids that accentuate the wine’s dusty tannins.——J.C.(2/1/2008)—— 84