| VINTAGE: |
2016 |
| SOURCE/REGION: |
COONAWARRA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA |
| GRAPE VARIETY: |
CABERNET SAUVIGNON |
| CELLARING: |
DRINK NOW OR CELLAR FOR THE NEXT DECADE |
| BOTTLE TOP: |
WAX OVER CORK
|
| ALCOHOL CONTENT: |
14.50 % |
| STANDARD DRINKS: |
8.60 |
TASTING NOTES
Deep ruby crimson colour. A massive intense and enticing nose, the initial hit of exotic fruit once allowed to breathe will mellow. Black berry and dark cherry are the dominant character whilst varietal character of cassis is also very evident. The French oak influence is still evident despite its age and highlights the quality of the new large format oak used. Concentrated, tremendous texture and depth are hallmarks of this wine. The great richness which comes from black fruits flavours is immense, brooding and dense. The age of the wine is evident through notes of earth and leather saddle although the fruit is just so potent that they are just a side show. This style of wine requires decanting and time to breathe to soften prior to consuming although will be cellared prior to release the wine has the fruit, alcohol and tannin structure to ensure cellaring for many more years where it will continue to evolve.
TECHNICAL
The vintage indicated early the supreme quality that would be produced by the dry grown, old vines that yielded the fruit we isolated for this special once off trial. Our commitment to making French influenced Iconic Australian wine lead us to the Coonawarra region and we felt our style would best benefit from fruit from this region. We hand-picked the fruit and it was transported to the winery where it was gently de-stemmed into concrete open top fermenters. It was then carefully nurtured for 7 days on skins with pump overs occurring twice daily, varying in duration and intensity. When primary fermentation was almost complete, the wine was drained from the skins and the must is gently basket pressed for 8 hours. It is then run directly into new French Puncheon barrels (500 litres) where it spent the next 60 months of its life and we believe is a world first for barrel ageing such a wine. The wine was then blended, and only the best barrels selected to be bottled without the use of filtration or fining. Aged in bottle before just 500 six packs were released. A wonderful example of traditional French style Cabernet Sauvignon with our individual Australian twist which will stand the test of time, ensure it is allowed to breathe for at least 1-2 hours prior to consuming.
AWARDS
2016 VINTAGE: 96 POINTS - Wine Showcase Magazine 2022
2013 VINTAGE: 95 POINTS - Wine Showcase Magazine 2021
2012 VINTAGE: 96 POINTS & GOLD - Australian Wine Showcase Magazine 2019
2012 VINTAGE: TROPHY & DOUBLE GOLD - CWSA 2020
