Premium Reserve Winecasks 2LT Cabernet Merlot

Canada
" Blackberry, black pepper, toffee, blueberry and light anise aromas show nicely n this Aussie red. It's medium-plus bodied, with some nice ripe blackberry flavours as well as notes of black tea, plum, menthol and anise. If you've got a pile of family coming over for a big roast or a pile of burgers, this wine would certainly not steer you wrong."

Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson, Uncorked, November 2010

3.5 stars
"A more serious cabernet nose here with recogniseable blackcurrent edging towards fully ripe berry and plum fruit. Genuine energy"

Tony Love, Brisbane Courier - food section, March 2010

Good
"I think this is a step up on last year’s wine: it’s rich and concentrated with blackcurrant and dark plum flavours, and has attractive smooth texture and balanced tannins."

Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2010, October 2009

"This just edged out the Premium Reserve Shiraz, which is also good drinking. Dark cherry and plum flavours and an appealing softness in the mouth...once again, straight forward but hard to fault."

Rick Allen, Manly Daily, June 2009

"If ever there was a good deal, this is it. Dark plum and ripe cherry flavours merge with sweet spice and vanilla highlights. It's spotlessly made and deliciously quaffable - perfect with a spicy Sicilian pizza."

Peter Bourne, Sydney Morning Herald, May 2009

"I gave these four De Bortoli cask reds the same points so there's not much to split them. This blend of cabernet and merlot has bright, lively, redcurrant flavours and neatly balanced tannins and is drinking very nicely indeed."

Peter Forrestal, Quaff, December 2008

4/5
"A very useful and versatile red featuring sweet berry fruit, some chocolate and soft tannins."

Paddy Kendler, Best In a Box, Herald Sun, May 2008

"The wine cask doesn't get much praise, but some of it is pretty good, for example this one from De Bortoli. It has a nose of dark berries with hints of ani-seed, spice and a whisper of vanillin oak. The palate is smooth and fleshy with succulent fruit character, supple tannins and lip smacking balance."

Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age Epicure Uncorked, January 2008