The 2004 Highbank has rubbed shoulders with the who's who of the wine world at the 19 International Tasting at La Vigna, Perth.

Judges placed this Highbank Cabernet blend that retails for $55, between two giants that cost three to four times as much. It was 0.02 points above Ornellaia from Italy which sells for $225 and only 0.01 point below Penfolds RWT Shiraz which sells for $165. Interestingly, Penfolds' Cabernet equivalent to Grange, the Bin 707, sat less than 0.4 points away.

The judges said Highbank Wines conjur a French profile with the 2004 evoking a "left bank" Bordeaux. As you can see in the full review, below, they noted "aromas of rich dark fruit, smoke, earth, pepper, and dark chocolate ... on the palate, intense concentrated ‘black fruit’ flavours with firm fine-grained tannins and crisp acid".

Here is the full text of the judges comments:

Many West Australians are surprised to find that Highbank has been established in Coonawarra since the early eighties, as it’s not a well-known winery here (this will change).

In most years Highbank concentrates on a single wine -  blend of Bordeaux varieties (mainly Cabernet). Wines from this small maker are quite unique and rate up there with the very best the region has to offer (this one nudged out Majella to represent Coonawarra). Best vintages present a ‘French’ profile and the 2004 could pass as ‘left bank’ Bordeaux.

Presents aromas of rich dark fruit, smoke, earth, pepper, and dark chocolate. On the palate, intense concentrated ‘black fruit’ flavours with firm fine-grained tannins and crisp acid. Exhibits excellent balance and a long finish.

Winorama rated it 94/100. Drinking best 2010 - 2017. $55.00 AUD RRP