Review: Orlando 1987 St Hugo Cabernet
- vinterest
- May 18, 2015
- 1 min read
The low-down: We're in Sydney for a week or so and have somehow gotten our hands on a few choice wine treasures! Following a 1994 Bannockburn Shiraz and a 1972 Wynns Cabernet this evening we're opening a 1987 St Hugo Cabernet from Orlando Wines.
Orlando are a Barossa Valley pioneer and the former parent company of the ubiquitous Jacobs Creek - in my opinion the most prolific Aussie wine abroad. Named after the famed Johann Gramp's grandson, Hugo (also a key figure at the wine-maker), this is the best cabernet sauvignon in their stable. Before the emergence of Margaret River, the Coonawarra was heralded as the best, and oldest, region to produce Bordeaux blends in Australia.
At an ABV of 12.5%, we appreciate that it's in line with traditional Bordeaux blends. This set us back A$60.
The take: A darker, more browney-red than the Bannockburn and the Wynns. No legs whatsoever. There's a fair amount of sediment in the bottle. The nose is strong: spicy, herbaceous (a la cab franc), chalky, earthy and is that sweet and sour sauce? The attack is fleshy - plenty of acidity. Youthful too - plenty of power there. Delicious, sour, dark fruits without the sugar. Gentle, chewy tannins. Hints of coffee.
In closing: Love this! Delicious! Mature but still powerful.
Rating: 9 out of 10, for us an inch better than the '94 Bannockburn and the '72 Wynns.
Fact corner:
Country: Australia
Region: Coonawarra
Producer: Orlando Wines (Jacobs Creek)
Vintage: 1987
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Premium
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