2008 Crawford River Cabernet sauvignon Museum Release

95 points Halliday Museum Release - Exceptional Aged Cabernet Sauvignon

Critical Recognition

Outstanding Museum Release - Exceptional wine showcasing the remarkable aging potential of Crawford River Cabernet Sauvignon

"Like the finest aged Cabernets from around the world, this exceptional Museum Release delivers elegance, complexity and remarkable depth from over 16 years of careful cellaring."

The 2008 Crawford River Cabernet Sauvignon Museum Release represents an outstanding expression of mature Australian Cabernet. This elegant wine showcases the refined character and complexity that extended aging can bring to premium Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a wine that's both distinctive and delicious. Sourced from Crawford River's exceptional vineyard sites in Henty, Victoria, this wine showcases how the right site, winemaking approach, and patient cellaring can elevate Cabernet to extraordinary heights.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep garnet with brick-red hues, shimmering with maturity and concentration

Aroma: Captivating bouquet of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum, enhanced by notes of cedar, tobacco, and subtle spice. The extended aging contributes complexity with layers of leather, dried herbs, and earthy minerality

Palate: Medium to full-bodied with excellent balance and complexity. Flavors of dark fruit, blackcurrant, and cherry blend harmoniously with cedar, tobacco, and soft, integrated tannins that provide structure and elegance

Finish: Long and satisfying with persistent dark fruit, savoury complexity, and the kind of elegant character that makes mature Cabernet so compelling

Wine Details

Vintage: 2008
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Henty, Victoria
Producer: Crawford River
Style: Museum Release - Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
Cellaring: Drink now or cellar for 5-10 years

Food Pairings

• Slow-braised beef short ribs with red wine jus
• Grilled ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce
• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic
• Venison or wild game with berry reduction
• Aged hard cheeses such as aged Cheddar or Comté
• Rich meat-based stews and casseroles

Producer Background

Crawford River has established itself as one of Victoria's most respected producers, dedicated to crafting exceptional cool-climate wines. Their approach to winemaking combines respect for traditional techniques with a commitment to quality and aging potential, creating wines like this Museum Release that demonstrate their dedication to excellence and patience.

Regional Character

Henty, Victoria provides exceptional terroir for cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon. The region's unique microclimate and soil composition allow Cabernet to develop elegant fruit character while retaining natural acidity, contributing to wines of outstanding character and exceptional aging potential.

Value & Investment

At $90, this Museum Release Cabernet Sauvignon represents excellent value for a distinctive wine with over 16 years of careful cellaring. As a mature vintage from 2008, this wine offers both immediate drinking pleasure and the complexity that comes from extended aging, showcasing the remarkable potential of Crawford River Cabernet.

Experience aged excellence - a Museum Release Cabernet that delivers elegance, complexity and remarkable depth from over 16 years of careful cellaring!