”There will be celebrations aplenty in '25 as Bleasdale turns 175. What a milestone. A young Frank Potts started this now historic winery and it's a must visit for anyone interested in wine. The wine's as solid as ever. This flagship is made with remarkable deftness and a lightness of touch. It is a special red showcasing the regional strengths of the 81/19% cabernet sauvignon/malbec, which spent 15 months in French oak puncheons, 25% new, and ended up a barrel selection – the 'best of best’ – with extra time in bottle. It’s beautifully modulated; fruit to the fore – all cassis and loganberries – then the savoury elements come into play. Expect ironstone, warm spices, warm earth and cedarwood, too. But the palate ... wow! It’s an elegant style, tannins rather beautiful and shapely, silky throughout and finishes on a high with cleansing acidity. Bravo and happy birthday.”