About This Wine
The winemaking aim was to let the quality of the fruit speak for itself. To this end, after crushing, the fruit was fermented on skins in temperature-controlled vessels to allow for an even and steady rate of fermentation, this resulted in an excellent depth of fruit flavour and colour extraction. The winemaking process was completed with the assessment and grading of all the separate components before oak maturation and assemblage of the final blend
Vineyard Region
100% Riverland, South Australia
Grape Varieties
95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Shiraz
Vintage Conditions
A rain free harvest period in 2009 resulted in above average quality and in particular an especially high concentration of flavour. The fruit was picked at optimum flavour ripeness of between 12-13.5Be. The grapes were machine harvested in the cool of night to maintain their delicate fruit flavours and aromas. Parcels were individually selected in the vineyard for their clear expression of distinctive fruit characteristics and varietal characters.
Colour
The wine shows a deep plum colour.
Nose
The nose offers aromas of ripe plums, dark cherries and violets which are enhanced with the use of French and American oak that impart vanillin sweetness and savoury complexity.
Palate
On the palate, the flavours consist of plums and rich forest berries to the secondary complexity of fruit cake and a gentle, sweet oak lift. Subtle, velvety tannins belie a full structure and superb balance. An exceptional balance of silky tannins, generous ripe fruit flavours and distinct varietal character do justice to this noble grape.