This is another one of d’Arenberg’s wines named after the road which runs down by the side of that particular vineyard. We source from this vineyard a good proportion of our best Cabernet, which goes into this classic McLaren Vale red.

Tasting notes

Upon release, d’Arenberg’s The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep vibrant young deep red - purple colour. The nose shows intense blackcurrant fruit, slight cedary cinnamon spice barrel ferment & oak derived aromas, violet and mint scents as well as liquorice & chocolate smells. Primary Mulberry aromas are also evident on the palate. Combined with some blueberry, cassis and sweet rhubarb flavours dominating the typically rich & intense sweet, cedary middle palate flavours. These are followed by a typically firm but fine- grained vibrant tannins, extended texture overlaying soft plum which deceptively disguise the rich powerful cassis and blackcurrant flavours. The emphasis is on powerful full- bodied varietal fruit flavour with totally integrated barrel fermented and oak matured characters falling into the subtle cedary, smoky and cashew spectrum. After time in bottle The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon should gain more chocolate, truffle, cigar box and earth aromas and flavours. Nevertheless it should maintain its freshness, persistent flavour, linear acidity and varietal tannin hold. Mushroom, black olive, stewed rhubarb and cooked beetroot may also play a part. Varietal eucalyptus and bell pepper hints may also come to the fore but be well integrated with the other developing characters, maintaining an even palate weight with a seamless & persistently rolling length.

Rating

Robert Parker 93 points (Oct 2005) The 2002 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a sweet perfume of roasted herbs, black currants, blackberries, lead pencil shavings, and background oak. Full-bodied and structured, it is just a notch below the quality of the 2003. Drink it over the next 12+ years.