DAN'S THIS WEEK'S WINE REVIEW

The first vintage of Orlando’s ST HUGO COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON that I tasted and fell in love with, was the 1986 (from the year I got married). I still have one or two bottles tucked away in my cellar waiting to celebrate anniversary milestones. It was a sensational wine with masses of delicious flavours. So much so that it took a mighty effort not to drink it all while it was still a youngster.

ST HUGO was launched in 1980 and named after Hugo Gramp who at the age of 25 took over as the Managing Director of G Gramp & Sons Orlando Wines and spent his life building the company as a premium wine producer.

Thus, it was fitting that the ST HUGO label was launched as a follow on to the Jimmy Watson Trophy winning, Orlando 1978 Cabernet which was a multi-area Cabernet blend. Incidentally, Orlando also won the 1971 Jimmy Watson Trophy with its 1970 Cabernet.

Twenty-nine vintages and several winemakers since the multi-award winning 1986 St Hugo was made, the recently released ST HUGO 2015 COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON is equally delicious and delightful but with more depth and concentration than its fabulous ancestor. Having said that, it is still one of the more elegant and sophisticated members of the Coonawarra Cabernet bunch.

This wine is deep in colour, has big, fresh, oaky aromas overlaid on the ripe berry bouquet, which has an attractive hint of cassis. It seduces the palate with its big, rich, complex, mouth-filling flavours and tight but elegant finish. Beautifully balanced with several layers of flavours.

If given a few years of proper cellaring for the tannins to soften off and allow the divine fruit flavours to come to the fore, this wine will be TRULY STUNNING! Cheers!