The 2005 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon is purple/black in color. It offers aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, licorice, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This leads to a flamboyant Cabernet with gobs of ripe fruit and notes of chocolate emerging. The wine has well-concealed tannins, excellent balance, and a 60-second finish. It will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring and will drink well through 2025. D’Arenberg has been owned and operated by the Osborn family since its inception in 1912. The portfolio, with a focus on Rhone varietals, is wide-ranging and value-oriented from top to bottom. Importer: Gavin Speight, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552; www.darenberg.com.au; Also tasted: 2005 The Stump Jump Shiraz (82), 2005 The Custodian Grenache (84), 2005 Sticks and Stones Tempranillo, Grenache, Souzao (84)

Gamy, metallic notes get in the way of the ripe currant flavors. Has a crisp texture, but lacks charm. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Ripe, warm, plum fruit, nice lift. Excellent graphite notes. Firm, leathery tannins. Fine length of flavour.

Everything about this wine is big, from the boisterous nose of cassis, herbs and tobacco, to the bold flavors of cassis, vanilla and tobacco. The finish is long and loud, like the volume’s been turned way up. Ultimately, it lacks a bit of elegance and finesse; if that emerges with aging, this rating will seem conservative.——J.C.(2/1/2008)—— 89