WINE MAKING

Hand-harvested October 16 through October 25 from one of our long-standing growers (Lawrie Vineyard 62%) and from the Estate owned Carlton Farm Vineyard (38%) within the Four Mile Creek sub-appellation. Through extensive skin contact and barrel malolactic fermentation we have developed a wine with great complexity and depth of flavour. Aged for 17 months in 80% French oak and 20% American oak barrels. (40% new oak). Selected barrel lots of Cabernet Franc were individually tasted and the top 32 barrels were selected for their structure, fruit concentration, mouthfeel, level of acidity and potential ageability. Minimal filtration before bottling, then allowed to age gracefully in bottle for one year before release.

FLAVOUR PROFILE

Bright garnet in colour with an aromatic bouquet of blue plum, blueberry coulis, smoky oak, violet, Chai spice, earth, cedar, and leather. A full-bodied Cabernet Franc with firm drying tannins. Wonderful flavours of ripe blackberry, spice, oak, earth, and vanilla bean mingle on the palate. Lingering notes of black tea, cocoa powder, blackberry, spice, oak, and vanilla on an extra-dry finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve at a cool room temperature of 18°C in large-bowled glasses. Serve with grilled red meats; grilled steak and red wine reduction; lamb stews; beef bourguignon; rich lentil or black bean stews; steak and kidney pie; marinated leg of lamb; Tuscan steak; pot roast; red wine braised short ribs; sautéed mushrooms with fennel seeds.

Enjoy now to 2030.