Domaine Epis

About the Winery
One of the region's big guns and for the most part a well deserved reputation. A relatively recent arrival on the scene with some 12 vintages under the belt yet has rapidly generated a following for all 3 wines. As the notes indicate below the cabernet can be brillant sometimes although perhaps they have not aged as well as I might have expected. That said, there's buggar-all decent cab up here.



I've not visited the vineyard in Woodend but have caught glimpses as I have driven past and can assure that you will go a long way to find plantings as well kept. In my view bodes well for the wine as it provides a strong signal around the care that goes into the production.


2000 Pinot Noir (Oct 2009)
Reckon I got the drinking window right for once. Pours murky dirty blood red with light intensity. Nose is salty with tangy sour fruits (light touch). Palate is also light and easy going but the sour fruits remain. Some bitter fruits to finish. Certainly did fade in the glass over an hour, quite rapidly upon reflection. Good wine, but in the 'drink now' bracket.

1999 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mar 2008)
I really wanted to like this mature Epis but unfortunately, as recent tastings would indicate, this wine does look its best within 3-4yrs of vintage. Structurally quite ok; soft tannins and fading acid, but the elegant fruits have really run their race. Starting to thin out and lose any primary notes, although lovers of older cabernet might like the fading herbal fruits. Not compelling.

2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mar 2008)
Getting tired but still a very nice drop. Silky mouthfeel, fading fruits and a softening tannin structure. Much better than the 2001.

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon (March 2008)
Tough to read this one. 2001 was supposed to be good for the winery but it doesn't show here. Fruit has largely dropped out although structure is still very classical in anyone's language. There are better options in other vintages.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mar 2008)
Nose steps up a gear on the 2005 but ultimately very similar. Soft and delicate cabernet fruits. Not as good as a very good showing in late 2005.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mar 2008) - Recommended
Massively perfumed nose of pretty blueberry and cassis. Leaner palate, softly fruited but clearly the structure to age is apparent.

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mar 2008) - Recommended
Tight but not hard or unyielding (if that makes any sense?). Mineral and iron notes speak more of Burgundy than Macedon. Nose shows nice 'milky' cabernet fruits - a nice house character. Will be good in time.

2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Feb 2006) - Recommended
Dark blood red in the glass, almost black. Elegant, leafy nose - classy. Some herbal notes and berries as well. Soft, milky palate with more cool climate berry fruit coming through. Class personified. Maybe a touch subdued right now but will nearly certainly get better.