Full-bodied, rich and opulent, with new oak very much in evidence from start to finish. Unexpectedly, it is on the aftertaste that the fruit breaks free from the yoke of the oak.
95 points, Wine Companion (January 2019)
As much redcurrant as blackcurrant on the nose but then sweet with cassis/Ribena-like flavours through the length of the palate. Smoky/toasty oak is apparent all the way long though as it breathes the fruit pushes through and ultimately wins the day. There’s a resiny character to this wine which some may find distracting. In general though the power of fruit here is pretty impressive, especially once it’s had time to open up properly.
93 points, The Wine Front (February 2020)
Very deep, dark red colour with good purple tints. The bouquet is rich and reserved and gently herbal, with earthy and 'forest floor' touches. The wine is full-bodied and loaded with flavour, the tannins bold and robust, with a touch of chewiness. Fruit-sweet core. Not an elegant cabernet, but full-throated and it does deliver bang for your bucks. It should be cellared for the best results.
93 points, The Real Review (February 2020)
A bit leafier than the stellar 2016, the 2017 Ashmead Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is still a fine, elegant example of Barossa Cabernet. Medium-bodied, it's smooth and streamlined, with a somewhat linear feel and a crisp, gently tannic finish.
92 points, Wine Advocate (June 2019)
From a single parcel in the Nuriootpa Vineyard, this has aromas of currants, violets, spiced bread and blueberries as well as cassis and mulberries. Some earthy notes, too. The palate has a very focused core of black cherries, dark plums and blueberries and smooth, even tannin texture. Supple and long. Medium-to full-bodied and very drinkable. Drink over the next decade.
93 points, JamesSuckling.com (August 2020)
Colonel William Light, the South Australian colony’s Surveyor-General, named the Barossa in 1837 after the site of an English victory over the French in the Spanish Peninsular War. In the mid-1800’s Silesian and English immigrants settled in the area. The Barossa itself comprises two distinct sub-regions: Eden Valley and the warmer Barossa Valley floor at 270m.The Barossa Valley enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers and relatively low rainfall. Cool sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent modify the temperature, however hot northerly winds can occasionally dominate creating considerable vine stress. Many older established vineyards are dry-grown, but supplementary irrigation is also extensively used. The valley is comprised of rich brown soils and alluvial sands. A long history of uninterrupted viticulture in the area means the Barossa valley is home to Australia’s largest concentration of old-vine Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre with many over 100 years old. Although most famous for Shiraz, the Barossa can also produce fragrant and deliciously fruity Grenache blends and beautifully rich, chocolatey Cabernet Sauvignons.
