1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
VINTAGE
Following a warm March we were faced with a cool and wet April. Despite this our low crop vines fully matured the grapes. Ripeness is crucial for depth of flavour. Cabernet Sauvignon is well suited to moist conditions with its small tough berries which are resistant to the rain.
TASTING NOTES
Aroma: Ripe berry fruit with smoky oak overtones. An earthy element is also present.
Palate: Intensely flavoured with the fruit elements and subtle oak apparent on the nose carrying through to the palate. Ripe fruit with mouthfilling richness on the middle palate and a lingering, drying tannin on the finish. Firmly textured but generous and gentle.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Region: Lenswood, Adelaide Hills
Variety: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot
Oak Maturation: 24 months in French oak barriques. All from forests in the centre of France. One third new oak.
pH: 3.60 |
Alcohol: 13.2% |
TA: 6.5 g/L
Cellaring: Retains is primary freshness for many years and slowy develops a gentle leather/cedar ageing character of lovely complexity and delicacy. Has the foundation of sufficient natural tannin to underpin the natural ageing tannin evolution. Tannins are at the core of the ageing capacity of any red wine as they soften and add depth to the flavour with time. It will build in complexity while retaining suppleness and the grainy drying texture for many years.
Food Suggestion: Ideal with red meats but can be enjoyed with a wide range of foods or on its own.
Serving Suggestion: Best between 15 and 20°C.