Aussie Cab face off....

[Drew]

Prepared my world famous peppercorn encrusted Filet Mignon with roasted garlic Yukon gold mashed spuds for 4 at the Ocean and popped the below Aussie beauties. The notes are from memory as it was a festive meal.

'98 Rosemount "Hill of Gold" Cabernet
Opaque full body. Rich plum, blackberry and vanilla flavors and a long finish. Smooth tannins. I paid $13 on sale but have seen it $16 to $21. 14.5% Alc/vol.

'98 Peter Lehmann "The Barossa" Cabernet
Opaque full body. Rich plum and dark fruit flavors with moderate oak. Slightly shorter finish than the Rosemount. Smooth tannins. $18. 13.5% Alc/vol.

Both wines complimented the meal wonderfully, were similar in profile, but the hands down winner was the Rosemount "Hill of Gold". Richer and more complex was the word. Both are big, "in your face", Aussie style...no elegance here! Personally I think this style does better with leaner cuts of beef rather than with a more tannic cab.

Drew