appearance
Strong bright rim with a deep red core.

bouquet
The lifted bouquet of this Cabernet is reminiscent of red cherries and hints of blackcurrant. This wine shows a little more herbaceous character, although the typical McLaren Vale dark chocolate character is still evident. The oak is particularly attractive, showing some subtle cinnamon and a hint of char.

palate
The palate shows rich, sweet blackberry and chocolate, with the tannin structure tight. The middle palate is full and is followed by a drying, elegant finish. With flavours that are very persistent and a tight structure, this wine shows potential for ageing well.

winemaking
The fruit (98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc) for the 1999 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from three main vineyards at Fox Creek and harvested at 14.0° to 14.4° Baumé. Although Baumé represents an important measurement, the principal harvesting criterion was flavour. One parcel of the wine (approx 60%) was given extended contact on skins after a normal 8 day fermentation. The extended period varies with each wine and from year to year. For this wine the period was a further 28 days. The other parcel of wine (40%) was barrel fermented to achieve an early integration of oak characters. Oak used was 95% French (principally from the Alliers and Tronçais forests) and 5% American, with almost all of this being new oak. Wine was held for 15 months in oak, during which time it was pumped to tank and returned to oak 3 times. This process gives us the style of wine we desire and also offers us a chance to make any adjustments necessary, be it oak handling or acidity checks.

technical analysis

ph
3.42  TA 7.5  Alcohol  14.5%

ageing potential
For those who are game enough to drink the wine before 2002, we would suggest a couple of good drinking buddies, or a couple of care-free days. This style of wine is made principally for those who enjoy cellaring for medium to long term (3 to 10 years or more). But the wine can be consumed earlier and enjoyed (more so with food).

awards
Bronze Medal, Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2000
Bronze Medal, McLaren Vale Wine Show 2000
Bronze Medal, Perth Royal Wine Show 2001
4 & ½ Stars Winestate Magazine Sept/Oct 01 & 02

viticulturist
Paul Watts

winemakers
Dan Hills & Tony Walker