Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Growing Region: Clare Valley, Australia

Senior Winemaker: Adam Eggins

TASTING NOTE:
True reflections of their terroir, the St Andrews range of wines are premium wines, sourced from single vineyards on the Taylor family estate that exemplify the very best of handcrafted Clare Valley winemaking and continue the St Andrews tradition of fine Australian wines.

The 2005 vintage was considered amongst one of better ones in the previous decade, although it was still classified as a drought year.

The fruit for this wine was amongst the last vines to be picked on the Estate so a good, long ripening period was achieved with optimum tannin and flavour development.

After primary fermentation, the wine was pressed to 'Prestige' French oak barrels for secondary, malolactic fermentation - MLF. These barrels were hand-selected based on grain-grade rather than forest source. After racking (post MLF), the wine was returned to oak for maturation for a period of approx 12-14 months prior to bottling in December 2007.

In the glass the wine is a dark red with a developing brick hue to the edge. The wine has bold lifted varietal aromas of cassis, ripe black cherry and aniseed. These notes are matched with an abundance of chocolate, cedar and cinnamon from the French oak maturation. It is a generous wine which is beautifully ripened yet retains poise and the elegance of great Cabernet. Decant for 20-30mins and serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well now; and over the next 5-7 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with prime fillet steaks, game dishes with a wine jus, and ripe cheeses enjoy.

Blue Gold Medal - Sydney Int. Wine Competition 2010.