Technical Analysis
The classic varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz have been the mainstay of winemaking in the Barossa for many generations. The unique characters created when blending these together is considered to be a perfect match.
Tasting note
A full-bodied, full-flavoured classic is the promise behind the very deep brick red colour. Notes of tea leaf, cedar, sweet berries, spice, chocolate and cigar box aromas fill the glass. Ripe black forest fruits and spice are balanced by rounded tannins and seamless structure. The palate reflects the nose with flavours of cedar, stewed fruit and cigar box. Fine drying tannins. A pleasant lingering finish with restrained oak notes of mocha and tobacco. A fresh vibrant palate, with good depth of flavour and layers of fruit. A very tight wine that is complex but not confusing. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Shiraz.
Vintage conditions
The 2016 Barossa grape harvest was a stand-out, with high quality fruit and supply returning to normal after several low-yielding vintages. A warm, dry, Spring, with good conditions for flowering and fruitset. Below average rainfall, combined with a warmer than average Spring and early summer meant the vines got away at a cracking pace. Fruit showed dense colour, and rich, vibrant flavours from early on. Fortuitous rain in January & March, with mild conditions throughout late Summer bode well with grapes, showing rich, ripe tannins. Berries were mostly smaller than average, resulting in more intense flavours. The vintage overall was excellent, with great flavours and colours (in reds) and surprisingly good natural acids.
Vinification details
The grapes are hand and machine harvested. Each parcel of grapes crushed and fermented in 8 tonne open fermenters. The fermentation is completed in tank before the wine is racked to barrel. The wine was aged in a selection of older French and American oak for 18 months before blending and bottling. The final blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Shiraz.
