1985 Coldstream Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasted as part of my 30th birthday celebration, this was the pick of the wines opened. 1985 wasn’t considered a great year across Australia, but this was as good an aged Cabernet i’ve had over the last 5 years. I believe it was the first wine James Halliday produced, showing he not only has a great palate, but created some great wine.

In terms of colour the wine still maintained a decidedly dark hue that was bricking towards the rim. The nose had mature leather and earth but most importantly it still had framing black fruits and a touch of tomato leaf.

The fully mature palate starts with a broad brush of dark fruit before the complex territory characters of fresh earth, old leather and touch of cigar box show themselves, tannins are supple but present and combine well with dark chocolate and dusty dark fruits to finish.

A pleasure to drink, if you’ve managed to find a bottle enjoy in the next year or two before it starts it’s decline.