The Tour Down Under marks the beginning of the professional road racing season. Most racers are just starting to return to form. However, the Australian racers are in peak condition since their National Championship races happen a week earlier. This race has been dominated by the Ausies for the past decade, winning 7 out of the last 10 editions. Richie Porte won the 2020 Tour Down Under for his second overall title in the last four years.
This week's Luchavino matchup features an Australian challenger from Barossa taking on a Washington Carbernet Sauvignon.
2016 Structure Cellars Stillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon vs. 2016 Langmeil The Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon
Let's see if the Australian wine challenger from Barossa has as much success as the Australian bike racers!
Tale of the Tape
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Still Water Creek Vineyard
Provided as a sample by the winery.
Langmeil 2016 The Blacksmith Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards located in the Barossa Valley (90%) and Eden Valley (10%)
Aged for 22 months in 18% new French Oak Barrels.
Purchased at Esquin for $31.99.
Round 1. First opening
The Langmeil Australian Luchador swaggers in to the ring with bold flair. The nose is full, rich and savory with dark fruit, tar and olive brine. The palate follows with black cherry, logan berry, flower petals and a dry tannin driven finish.
The Structure Stillwater Creek is getting down and dirty. This single vineyard, single variety, Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose of currant, earthy spices and candle wax. The palate is dark and earthy with notes of currant, black cherry and a dry graphite tinged tannin spiced finish.
The Australian takes round one based on its bold swagger and attacking style.
Round 2. One hour after opening
The Australian challenger, from Barossa, is sticking with what works. The nose is featuring black currant, tar and savory olive brine. The palate also shows black currant, dry herbal spices and a very dry tannin finish.
Structure takes round two with some bold, powerful, maneuvers.
Round 3. One day after opening
This match is all tied up at one round for each luchador. The final round will be winner take all!
The Langmeil challenger is staying strong and steady showing some serious stamina. The nose has evolved to show more tertiary character with tar, olive brine and dark savory notes. The palate features dark fruit, dry pepper and a light cocoa powder finish.
The Structure Luchador is getting bigger and meaner as the match wears on. The nose is showing dark currant, menthol and floral herbal spices. The palate is building up with dark currant, black cherry and dried white pepper follwed by a fine dry tannin cocoa powder finish.
Structure takes round three and the match with an overwhelming show of power!
Wrap up and overall observations.
The Structure Stillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is part of the winery's single vineyard, single variety program. This program is a great way to taste and learn about how location affects the character of wine.
Australia is predominantly known for Shiraz, or Syrah. The Langmeil Cabernet Sauvignon shows how other grapes can thrive in Australia. This wine started out big, bold and savory from the start and maintained that character through the match.
The Structure Cabernet Sauvignon built power and character throughout the match.
Both wines are tasting good now and the Structure Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is likely to continue to build character for many more years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment