Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Growing Region: McLaren Vale & Coonawarra, Australia

Chief Winemaker: Geoff Merrill

TASTING NOTE:
The 2006 vintage in McLaren Vale & Coonawarra overall was quite good. It was set up well early in the growing season with good winter and early spring rains. This provided good vine canopies ideal for quality ripening. The weather then dried up at the right time, and warmed up considerably bringing ripeness almost simultaneously resulting in a very hectic few weeks for the team.

This wine is a multi-regional blend - 65% McLaren Vale with 35% Coonawarra fruit. It spends 28 months in both French and American oak - though it shows very little sign of either.

In the glass you have a very deep red with youthful purple hues. The aroma shows intense varietal characters of menthol, blackcurrant, mint and capsicum with subtle complex oak in the background. The palate is wonderfully supple and fleshy with fine firm tannins providing excellent structure. Packed with flavour, good length and well balanced acid complete this outstanding wine which will evolve and develop further with bottle maturation. Decant for 30-40mins, serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well this season; and will age for another 5-7 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with aged lamb shanks, game pie, rich pasta dishes and ripe cheeses enjoy.

94 pts - Campbell Mattinson, 2010.