Purchased in Sydney for US$37. Decanted for 3 hours. Tasted blind with four other cabs. This one finished third in the overall rankings. I ranked it 2nd.

This wine is from the Coonawarra region and was not released until 4years after harvest, spending 26 months in new French oak and 20 months maturing in the bottle. Orlando makes the popular budget wine Jacob’s Creek. This is one of their high-end efforts.

Superb nose of black cherry, juniper, coconut, and smoke. Concentrated ripe blueberry, mint, and cedar flavors. Velvety smooth texture. Long finish. Can probably age gracefully for another 5+ years. Impressive. 92P.

Cheers,

Otis

We unfortunately don't see Orlando wines around here any more, but a couple of years ago I had my last of 4 bottles of '90 Orlando St. Hugo Cab. Each one was better than the previous, and likely would have lasted longer. I rated the last bottle 92 pts. as well. This company doesn't seem to get as much press as many others do, but it sounds like maybe they should.

I agree

They deserve far more public notice, from their new range called Jacobs Creek Reserve (very good value, nothing like the inexpensive Jacobs Creek), through the Saints Series

St Hilary Chardonnay
St Helga Riesling
St Hugo Cabernet

all of which are excellent to outstanding, Orlando offer great value for money.

At the premium end, they produce what I think are the best trio available at the price ($45-$60Aud) for overall quality and consistent performance.

Centenary Shiraz (Barossa)
Lawsons Padthaway Shiraz
Jacaranda Coonawarra Cabernet.

Each of these is excellent quality and truly premium wines, and most are released with age, so 1996 Cenenary and 1997 Jacaranda being current release!

As a retailer I strongly promote all three ranges as being excellent within their price barcket.

Thanks, SeaQ and Gavin, for your insights.

I think I will try to pick up some of these wines when I am in Sydney next month. They seem like excellent QPR.

I have also had the '96 Orlando's Lawson Padthaway Shiraz. It's terrific. About 93P, IMO.

Cheers,

Otis

otisabdul: You seem to travel to that part of the world a lot. Business or pleasure? Anyway, I am jealous. I was once & LOVED it. Always felt that if Sydney was a little closer, I would Move there in a NY-minute. Fell in-love with Sydney.

lcc: Since I manage the international division for my company, I travel quite a bit outside the country. Mostly to Europe, but once a year to Asia/Australia. I always relish the trips to Sydney. It is absolutely a great city! And the people are extremely friendly and fun. The great wine is just icing on the cake.

Cheers,

Otis