1989 Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon

The two 1989 offerings do not exhibit the richness of the 1988, but there is no question that the 1989 Terra Rossa Cabernet offers a surprisingly elegant, finesse-filled bouquet that recalls a fine St.-Julien or Pauillac. The nose of cedar, tobacco, and cassis fruit is followed by a medium-bodied wine, with good richness, firm tannins, and a long finish. This tightly knit, relatively young wine has the capacity to age for 7-8 years. Intrigued by the name, I had a chance to taste three Parker offering as a courtesy extended me by one of London's finest wine merchants, Corney and Barrow. Given the shortage of truly profound wines from Australia, this relatively new estate has made a stunning debut. Apparently the total production never exceeds 2,000 cases, and the winery has not made more than 1,000 cases under the "First Growth" label. Yields are restricted to no more than two and one-half tons per acre, which translates to a conservative 35-40 hectoliters per hectare. This is an impressive new winery from Coonawarra! Importer: Franklin Selections, Linthicum, MD.