Deep garnet colored, the 2001 The Malleea has ripe cassis and blackberry with hints of a bay leaf, leather, damp loam, black olives and soy. Medium bodied, it still has plenty of rich, evolved fruit in the mouth with refreshing acid and a firm level of chewy tannins, finishing long and savory. Delicious now, it should continue to evolve and drink to 2020+. Catching-up with owner Brian Lynn recently, in addition to his current releases I tasted through verticals of Majella’s Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and The Malleea to track the evolution of the styles. The results go to show, it certainly pays to put a few bottles of these well constructed wines away. Majella does not currently have a US importer.

Soft and spicy, with ripe currant and blackberry flavors shaded with spicy oak and a black olive note that lingers on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Drink now through 2012. 80 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Coonawarra Select to Add