Technical Analysis
Combining freshness and aromatic lift with classic Cabernet structure. Songbird refers to the huge range of birds in the Coriole gardens, vineyards and native scrublands.
Tasting note
The 2020 Coriole Songbird Cabernet is highly aromatic, with aromas of blackcurrant, bay leaf and blood plum. The palate has a lovely fine, long line and crunchy textural tannins, with flavours of cassis, bitter chocolate and vanilla. This is a bright, playful and modern cabernet which will remain fresh in the bottle for some time.
Vintage conditions
A cool spring with windy conditions led to a delay in bud-burst, but the season then saw record temperatures in late December. This was followed by a mild January/February, the start of harvest was 10 days later than 2019. This trend followed throughout the season with the final fruit coming in during mid-April. Yields were below average in shiraz and cabernet but healthy crops on most other varieties. The 2020 reds are displaying bright red-fruited fragrance with great intensity on the palate. The resulting wines have an even tannin structure giving depth and longevity with an elegance of fruit.
Vinification details
Predominantly from the Estate vineyards with about 25% of softer material coming from Blewitt Springs. A great example of what McLaren Vale can do with the often under rated Cabernet Sauvignon. Open fermented in 3-4T batches, gentle hand
plunging gives subtle extraction of the classic Cabernet tannins and structure.
