Description
This Cabernet Sauvignon is the cumulative result of patient viticulture, traditional techniques, and a desire to be a wine that boasts bright fruit in a modern Australian style while retaining the refinement of an iconic varietal. Ideally situated, handcrafted in small quantities, and respectful of the varietal, this wine is a true expression of the Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, full yet delicately balanced.
Viticulture
Location - Eastern Range of the Clare Valley Average vine age - 22 years
Dry-grown
Elevation - 497 meters
Soil - Dark red soil overlying slate in the lower surface layers
The vineyard is located in the Eastern Range of the Clare Valley. Located just below the crest of the western slope, the Cabernet vines enjoy long hours of sunshine. The dry grown vines are deeply rooted in the rich red soils and underlying slate. The long hours of sunlight and slow ripening allow the fruit to stay on the vine and fully develop its rich flavor profile while retaining the characteristics of cool climate varieties. The vineyard's exposure to sunlight and microclimate provide the perfect environment for disease control and allow for minimal interference, with only one application of natural sulfur throughout the season.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested after sunset and transported by gondola to the winery. The bunches were destemmed and the fruit was placed in small, wide open stainless steel fermenters. The fruit was chilled, macerated for two days, then warmed and fermentation began spontaneously. The wine was aged with the skins for 13 days, initially by hand plunge and then gently pumped over during the second half of fermentation. The wine was drained and the fruit was dropped into a basket press. The wine was allowed to settle before being placed in 300 liter French hogshead barrels. Here the wine was allowed to finish malolactic fermentation and aged for 12 months. After natural clarification, the wine was racked from the barrels, blended, and bottled.
Viticulture
Location - Eastern Range of the Clare Valley Average vine age - 22 years
Dry-grown
Elevation - 497 meters
Soil - Dark red soil overlying slate in the lower surface layers
The vineyard is located in the Eastern Range of the Clare Valley. Located just below the crest of the western slope, the Cabernet vines enjoy long hours of sunshine. The dry grown vines are deeply rooted in the rich red soils and underlying slate. The long hours of sunlight and slow ripening allow the fruit to stay on the vine and fully develop its rich flavor profile while retaining the characteristics of cool climate varieties. The vineyard's exposure to sunlight and microclimate provide the perfect environment for disease control and allow for minimal interference, with only one application of natural sulfur throughout the season.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested after sunset and transported by gondola to the winery. The bunches were destemmed and the fruit was placed in small, wide open stainless steel fermenters. The fruit was chilled, macerated for two days, then warmed and fermentation began spontaneously. The wine was aged with the skins for 13 days, initially by hand plunge and then gently pumped over during the second half of fermentation. The wine was drained and the fruit was dropped into a basket press. The wine was allowed to settle before being placed in 300 liter French hogshead barrels. Here the wine was allowed to finish malolactic fermentation and aged for 12 months. After natural clarification, the wine was racked from the barrels, blended, and bottled.