Ansted & Osicka Balgownie 1970 Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

"97 Points.Sadly now destined for development, the original Balgownie vineyard planted by Stuart Anderson in '70 made another stunning wine in '24 in the hands of Heathcote winemakers Tobias Ansted, former Balgownie winemaker, and Simon Osicka. Gives Bendigo cabernet some TLC which sets it soaring. Revels in the kind of complexity that old vines bring with deep, concentrated black fruits with a full spectrum of cabernet characters: cassis, blackberry, loganberry, dark olive, tilled earth, leaf, clove and herbs balanced perfectly in fine tannins laid out against a gentle cedary oak background. Gets the pulse racing, it's that good. A wine for posterity." Jeni Port. Halliday Wine Companion.  

"One of the best wine moments of 2024 was when the 2022 release of Ansted & Osicka Balgownie 1970 Block Cabernet Sauvignon hit the desk. The 2024 release is now here. It seems as if, in all likelihood, we are on borrowed time with this vineyard, which makes each of these releases precious. Maybe this is the last. Maybe it’s not. If it is, it’s a mighty way to go out.

Mighty in a minor key. It doesn’t overplay anything, and yet every note is clear, deep and resonant. It tastes of currants, earths, smokes, roots and leaves; it’s sweet-fruited and savoury; it has mint top notes and licorice down below. It’s a beautiful wine, full stop, structured and generous; intent of tannin; meaningful. For now or for the long haul. It does its land, its history and itself proud. 96 points. Campbell Mattinson. campbellmattinson.com