Lake's Folly is an enigma. In a region specializing in Semillon and Shiraz, Max Lake planted Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. And I do not know if it was folly, luck or amazing insight, but the vineyard he bought turned out to be very special. The soil of the Cabernet part is red clay with some limestone mixed in. It suits the Cabernet extremely well.
Traditionally, vintages have been quite varied, but the variability has reduced over time, as most vines are now over 50 years old and used to adjust. Then the highly acclaimed 2014 vintage comes along - well, let's see.
The 2014 Lake's Folly Cabernets has quite a typical grape composition for this label with 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, and then 18% Shiraz, 11% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Strong aromatics of black fruits and violets emerge when the bottle is opened. And I am delighted to be able to pull a perfect cork.
On the palate, blackcurrant and mulberry flavours are added to by olive, tobacco, and an attractive whiff of earthy smoke. The mouthfeel of this medium bodied wine is supremely elegant. There is a superb balance in this wine. The wine is fresh and ripe at the same time, the wine is at peace with itself. The tannins are very fine and silky and the finish meanders in your mouth for some time. This is an amazing wine.
This Lake's Folly is great to drink now, and will continue to develop complexity. I drank from two bottles, one at relatively warm room temperature, one from the cooled cellar, 30 minutes or so out. When cold, the fruits on the palate are more blueberries. I must say, I actually preferred the warmer version, which goes to show how well this wine is structured.
Score: 98/+++
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