One of South Australia's most brilliant Cabernets is d'Arenberg's 1999 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 22 months, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil, new saddle leather, and spice box aromas. There is great depth, fabulous purity, full body, and superbly integrated tannin as well as acidity. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. A classic! Importer: Rob McDonald, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552

Lithe, almost light compared to a lot of Cabernets, with berry and currant flavors shaded with earthy notes, finishing with a layer of chewy tannins. Drink now through 2006. 1,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Deep and inky up front, with notes of earth and bitter chocolate. Anyone thinking about trying this wine should be a fan of naturally sweet reds. It has an unmistakable sugar to it, but it’s not a cloying or fake sweetness. Clearly it’s ripe, and a bit unyielding. A few years in the cellar will do it some good. ——M.S.(12/15/2002)—— 90