Vines Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 1970 (clone unknown) and again when the vineyard was expanded in 2000 (SA125 clone). Some Merlot was available post blending our Yarra Yering wines and so we were able to utilize that here to build depth to the palate. Recent plantings of Malbec on the Warramate vineyard were undertaken because we love what Malbec brings to our other Cabernet blends, a whole lot of energy!
Wine Black mulberries and blueberry fruits with some bramble lift, a medium-bodied classic claret style. The succulent jubey fruit layered palate with some aniseed spice complexity and lovely chalky tannins. There is a brightness to the acid energy that underscores a wine of fruit purity and finesse.
Winemaking All fruit was handpicked then destemmed directly to a series of 600kg fermenters. The Cabernet Sauvignon berries are crushed to aid in the extraction of tannins, Merlot was whole berry ferment for plushness as was the Malbec.
Fermentation on skins with gentle hand plunging twice a day aids in the gentle extraction of colour, flavour and tactile palate components. Some post ferment maceration builds complexity into the wine. Maturation in small French oak barrels for 15 months.
Cellaring Given the youthful exuberance this wine is ready for immediate enjoyment. Expect a mellow and graceful evolution up to 5 years under suitable cellaring conditions.
