TN: 1987 Brokenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Graveyard

WINE TALK
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  • 1987 Brokenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Graveyard - Australia, New South Wales, Hunter Valley (10/16/2015)
    A bit of a rare bird - Brokenwood pulled the Cabernet vines from the Graveyard Vineyard in the early 90s, I think because they struggled to consistently get phenolic ripeness. I do remember trying most of the vintages many years ago and them being quite classy, but also possessing quite a herbal aspect in a Loire Cabernet Franc kind of way.

I can’t recall if the 1987 vintage was strong in the Hunter.

Great color for a almost 30 year old Hunter Cabernet - Dark translucent garnet. Crystalline with a thin clear meniscus and a hint of bricking.

Beautiful earthy Hunter nose of fallow earth and sweaty saddle. Eucalyptus and a note of cassis betray it from being Syrah. Some high toned aspects hint at a touch of VA.

Quite lithe on the palate with good presence of blackberries, warm brown spices, and a berry juice finish. Classic claret weight.

Firm, slightly drying and dusty tannins on the weightless but subtly long finish.

Quite a unique wine in a in between place of Hunter, Rioja and Bordeaux. One i am very much enjoying contemplating.

Opened in tribute and with love for my Uncle Ray, who had a small ownership stake in Brokenwood, and who’s feet may have helped stomp these grapes. (93 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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Awesome! Never had the Cab, but the Graveyard Syrah was an epiphany wine for me back in the late '90s when I visited Australia with my future wife. Would love to get my hands on some but it’s hard to find in the US. Graveyard Syrah with kangaroo flirtysmile

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Thanks so much for your note! I lived in Wahroonga, NSW back in the late '80’s and went through a case of this wine. It was terrific then and I am delighted to have old memories refreshed. I also went through a case of the Syrah as well.

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Cool tasting note, and a good story to go with it to boot!
Thanks!