95 Points - Jeni Port
Paul Osicka is the longest standing wine producer in the Heathcote wine region with the original vines planted over 55 years ago. The Osicka Selection wines showcase the quality grapes from their trusted growers throughout the Heathcote region, with a focus on producing outstanding wines with vibrancy and immediate approachability.
The 2024 Osicka Selection Cabernet Sauvignon was grown at Colbinnabin Estate vineyard in the Eastern slopes of the Mt Camel Range. A beautifully aromatic wine, notes of cassis, red plum, blackcurrant and bay leaf leap out of the glass. Medium-bodied and supple, the palate is so approachable with juicy red fruit flavours; mulberry and redcurrant, supported by some subtle earthy notes of black olive and a touch of peppery spice.
A super impressive Heathcote Cabernet that is already drawing plenty of high acclaim from the likes of Jeni Port (95 Points) and Mike Bennie, this offers remarkable value-for-money at this price.
"95 Points. Whole-berry fruit, small open fermenters, carbonic maceration pre-ferment, 24 days on skins, pressed, maturation in French oak (20% new). Year in, year out, this smart-priced cabernet over-delivers big time. There's so much to enjoy, not the least is the underrated quality of Heathcote cabernet, which simply shines in warmth, texture and oh-so lively, sweet-spiced cabernet fruit. A mild season brings forth a fine-tannined core for a wealth of violets, cassis, bracken and leaves, briar, earth, mulberry, black berries and some peppery, minty-fuelled spices that bring out the best in approachable, enjoyable drinking now… and later. Screwcap. $28. 14.5% alc. Drink: 2026 - 2034."- Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion.
"The ups and downs of Heathcote cabernet. Could be a musical. Shy of a lobster and a blue swimmer you get luncheon Claret charm, blue fruits, sweet spice, a lick of mint, some earthy undertow, a bit of liquorice, a riff of soft tannin, a cool finish. Just so. There’s good personality of the variety here, it’s not trying too hard, it wants you to buy a case and stash a couple away, but crack the bulk at a family gathering and hook in. One of the more genial, accessible, appealing and easy drinking, well-priced reds I’ve seen this year. Rated: 92 Points Tasted: AUG25 14.5% alc. $28 Screwcap Drink: 2025 - 2030"- Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.
