Mandala is the vision of the Smedley family of Melbourne. An estate vineyard in Yarra Junction was planted in 1999, with additional vineyards following in Dixons Creek. Specialising in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Mandala wines are high quality, elegant and exceptional value.
Mandala Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Youthfully bright, fresh, medium to deep red colour with a tint of purple, and a complex perfume incorporating briar, mulberry, cassis and an array of dried herbs and dried flowers. The wine is elegantly-framed and yet full-bodied, with intensity and drive, and plenty of fine-grained tannin but not bigness. Long carry, the purity of flavour and seamless line persisting right through a very long aftertaste. A very classy wine.
Rating: 95 Points
Source: Huon Hooke (October 2020)
Mandala Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This has been extracted with precision and early to mid-term drinking in mind, without sacrificing flavour or the integrity of cabernet’s inherent graphite tannic strictures. There is a dollop of merlot (11%) and franc (4%) for fill and lift respectively. 18 months in quality oak. Delicious. Currant and berry fruit. Hedgerow tannins, gently guiding this gorgeous Yarra cabernet.
Rating: 94 Points, Special Value
Source: Ned Goodwin, Halliday Wine Companion
Mandala Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Blackcurrant and red berries, a little cocoa, appropriate leafy and tobacco notes, some perfume. Medium-bodied, good crunch and freshness, light grip to chalky tannin, currants and ripe raspberry, with a crisp and firm finish of good length. Nicely done. Drinks very well. Has charm, too.
Rating: 92 Points
Source: Gary Walsh, The Wine Front (September 2020)
