Australian Cabernet Sauvignon tasting April 24, 2007

Cabernet Sauvignon, with its roots in Bordeaux, has been planted in Australia since 1832. The migration of its companion wines – merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot – have been much more recent. There is no doubt that Cabernet Sauvignon performs best in moderately cooler regions with a climate similar to Bordeaux. Its thick skins and loosely formed bunches are a natural defence against downy mildew and botrytis. The classic cabernet regions are Coonawarra, Yarra Valley, and more recently the Mount Barker Region and Margaret River. In all four areas, cabernet is a major variety and to some degree there is a certain rivalry for Cabernet supremacy.

Tim Carey, LCBO Vintages Product Consultant, will lead the tasting.

Here are the wines that we’ll be tasting:

* 1996 Elderton, Barossa Valley, Nuriootpa, South Australia
* 1996 Marienberg Reserve, McLaren Vale, South Australia
* 1997 Leconfield, Coonawarra, South Australia
* 1998 Leeuwin Estate Art Series, Margaret River, Western Australia
* 1999 Evans & Tate Redbrook, Willyabrup, Western Australia
* 2000 Penley Estate, Coonawarra, South Australia
* 2001 Kilikanoon, Auburn, South Australia
* 2002 Rosemount Hill of Grace, Mudgee, New South Wales

Register online at http://cabernet2007.eventbrite.com

Official Website: http://www.aws.ca