Ansted & Osicka 2024 Bendigo Cabernet Sauvignon 'Balgownie 1970 Block'

“Very much like a top Pauillac in it’s prime.” - Len Evans

“The Australian Lafite.” - Josh Cooper

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"A full, classic garnet in the glass that broods only slightly. Tilting the glass one can just make out ruby highlights, which delight. Bush garrigue dominates when first poured, underscored by dark fruits. There is reticence here; this bodes well. Aeration banishes these mentholated, eucalypt notes and reveals dark cherry, sage, dried orange rind, and balsam cedar. There is a distinct and familiar element, a mineral note that is hard to describe. This is pure terroir speaking through the wine. Something emotional at play. The palate presence here is remarkable, firmly medium bodied with satin like feel and fine, long-limbed tannins that render many other Cabernets granular. Red cherry, candied orange rind, sage and thyme along with hints of tarragon, peonies. The finish unfolds slowly towards eternity (“pli selon pli”) with great minerality, gaining gravitas and impact along the palate; bass notes fill in nicely. This will unfold over decades.

I wanted to write here “Very Pauillac” however I find myself writing: “Very Balgownie”. Excellent." - David

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"Black Puma Rising: Balgownie 1970 block. Infamous block of old cabernet. Bendigo is back, big time!

Cassis, dark blackberry stems (apparently they make cordial from the leaves and stems not the fruit) sweet sweet perfume, smells nice! Broody wood spice, some olive brine thing and hot eucalypt, Tres Australien.

This is a young wine, and you can feel the poised power it still has, waiting to be uncoiled. Probably decant it or leave it for 5 years…

There is a certain elegance to this wine, we are tasting it next to (redacted)’s cabernet, and this is a much more refined product. Savoury but sweet berries. I tried fermenting blueberries once in sea salt and this reminds me of that. Very nice cooling effect on the palate. Powdery detailed black tea tannin. Baked earth, ferrous tinged mineral backing.

I'm persuaded." - Will