Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Growing Region: 60% McLaren Vale, 40% Coonawarra, Australia

Owner / Winemaker: Geoff Merrill

TASTING NOTE:
This perfectly balanced expression is a bend from their Graymoor vineyard - located in Coonawarra & from their Wickham Park vineyard situated in McLaren Vale. The 2008 vintage will be remembered for the incredible heat wave that affected South Australia and the challenges faced with the vines in the vineyards. Early signs in the growing season hinted towards it being one of the greatest vintages they had seen in the McLaren Vale.

The team's careful vineyard management meant that in March they were able to process healthy fruit and craft dynamic wines to develop and age in their cellar. After vinification the wine underwent a managed time in American & French oak barrels for approximately 22 months before blending, bottling and then resting before release.

In the glass the wine has an excellent depth of colour, dark red and a hint of crimson on the edge. On the nose the wine has a wonderful varietal aroma expressing a noticeable style due to the blend of McLaren Vale and Coonawarra fruit. Bringing out the best in this Cabernet Sauvignon - showing mint-chocolate, dark berries, violets, leather and black olives with toasty vanilla notes. The palate is vibrant and alive with the time in oak showcasing a confident seam of tannins, well balanced by ripe dark fruits and natural acidity - giving the wine a defined confident finish. Decant for 15-20 minutes and serve at 17-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this winter season; and will age well for another 4-5 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine pairing with prime red meats with a wine jus, BBQ meats, seasoned meat pizza's and hard cheeses, enjoy.

A benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon.