Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet is dense, dark and concentrated. Cassis, toasty oak, violets, plums, hints of leather, game, pepper, terracotta and much more. The palate is a fine balance of rich and plush fruits, savoury oak and earth and bristling tannins. There is great length of flavour and a great need for 10-15 years in the cellar. The family-owned Balnaves can trace their history back to 1976. Their first five hectares on Coonawarra's famous Terra Rossa soils have grown to over 50 hectares. The vineyard is devoted to over 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, with parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. The partnership with winemaker Pete Bissell has been remarkably successful with a string of accolades and, more importantly, happy customers to vouch for it. Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Winery Notes "Vintage 2020 was characterised by small berries with thick skins, resulting in wines with fine tannins and tight structures. In 2020 our best Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walker and Dead Morris vineyards (89%) was co-fermented with 11% Petit Verdot, with an extended maceration on skins. In 2020 our best Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walker and Dead Morris vineyards (89%) was co-fermented with 11% Petit Verdot, with an extended maceration on skins. Matured for 13 months in 54% new French oak barriques before bottling in October 2021. With a vibrant hue and lifted violet perfume, the palate shows intense mulberry fruit. This plush fruit is beautifully balanced with subtle, smoky French oak and complex, chewy tannins." Coonawarra  One of the classic Australian wine regions. The famous cigar shaped strip of red Terra Rossa soils are where many wine drink have cut their teeth and so a lot of people have soft spot for the full and rich reds of the region. Cabernet Sauvignon is the star but there is some impressive Shiraz made too. Quality Riesling and Sparkling red can be made here too. Cabernet Sauvignon  The main grape of Bordeaux's left bank. Cabernet is late ripening and full of acid and tannin. The great wines are structured but finessed with beautiful cassis, violets and it also transmits the flavours of the soil it is grown in really well. Cabernet isn't a drink now variety, it really needs 10 or more years to show its best. But when you get there, WOW! Often blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc or in Australia Shiraz to fill out its mid-palate referred to as the 'Cabernet doughnut'. Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Balnaves Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Back Label.png