Benchmark by Grant Burge, is the epitome of a great wine from South Australia. The name sets the high standard of quality, style and taste of the wine, which others strive to achieve.
Grant selects only the best parcels of grapes from this region, and makes premium, fruit-driven wines withgood balance, which can be drunk without years of cellaring, and offer excellent value and consistency.
THE FRUIT
An excellent growing season allowed maximum development of varietal Cabernet characters and concentration of flavours. The fruit was harvested from growers in the Barossa, and from respected premium growers in South Australia’s Riverland.
THE WINEMAKING
The fruit was crushed and de-stemmed, before fermentation could begin in stainless steel tanks for seven days. The wine was pumped over three times a day and free run and pressings were combined for added colour and structure. The wine was matured in a combination of American and French oak hogsheads for 12 months before bottling.
TASTING NOTES
This 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon wine is deep purple in colour and has wonderfully intense aromas of blackcurrant and ripe red berry fruits bursting from the glass. The intense characters are reflective of the warm 2008/2009 season with rich ripe jammy flavours dominating the palate, the stewed plums and rhubarb sweetness adding to the complexity. The sublte influence of American and French oak adds new elements of spice and defines the tannins structure on the palate. The wine is typical of cabernet with firm tannins, good length and a complex finish; a great accompaniment to red meat and pasta dishes.