Medium-deep garnet-brick in color, the 2002 The Malleea gives an enticing nose of kirsch, dried cherries and ripe cassis over notes of duck breast, bay leaf, Ceylon tea and underbrush. Medium to full bodied, rich and concentrated in the mouth, the opulent fruit is solidly structured with firm chewy tannins and crisp acid, finishing long and layered. Drinking nicely now, it should cellar to 2022+. 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.