Holden Manz The Big G 2020 Intense dark ruby. Ripe dark fruit, graphite, cassis, a subtle herbaceousness, nuances of blueberry and thyme backed with hints of cedarwood and pencil shavings. Soft, voluptuous integrated tannins with a rich creamy cassis freshness. Silky smooth mid-palate with a finish that is full of dark fruit and long lingering flavours. 95/100 Greg Sherwood Always one of the estate s most popular wines, the high anticipated Holden Manz Big G 2019 is finally release and boy what a cracker it is. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, which were all handpicked and hand sorted to select the very best fruit for this cuvee, before being fermented using natural wild yeasts with a 10% portion in new oak barrels. The aromatics are seductively dark and broody with layers of ripe black berry compote, damson plum, black currant, cedarwood and sweet Christmas spices. In the mouth, the wine is super plush, seductive, and wonderfully round, coating the palate with notes of hoisin plum sauce, sweet cherry tobacco, and exotic black and blueberry fruits, that are enveloped by the supplest of silky ripe tannins. Beautifully balanced and fresh yet delightfully intense and concentrated, this is a very voluptuous Cape Bordeaux Blend with focus, power and poise. I absolutely love it as I m sure all devoted Holden Manz fans will too. Drink now and over the next 8 to 10 years. [Greg Sherwood, 01/05/2024]
