OLD VINE RESERVE
These old vines have grown beyond adolescence and are now fully mature. They have a root structure and trunk thickness that encourages diversity of flavour and character. Their worthiness has been proven over many vintages, consistently producing the highest quality fruit for Barossa wines of distinction and longevity.
Vintage 2017
BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
VINEYARD NOTES
The Rosenzweig vineyard which is grown on sandy brown loam over red clay and a deep limestone mix, this soil type is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet was first planted on this vineyard was planted in 1969
These vines enjoy a small amount of additional food and supplementary water to help maintain then on tough days. The vine is trained to a single wire trellis system with lift wires. Detailed spur pruning gives better bunch positioning and a limited number of grapes per year.
HARVEST NOTES
2017 growing season was one of the wettest on record. Cooler than average spring and early summer meant the vines grew slowly but healthily. Two short bursts of high temperatures. Two well-timed rain events in late January and early February kept vines healthy and in no rush to ripen, with the rest of February remaining dry. The average minimum and maximum temperatures for March were 2 to 3oC above average, followed by a notable shift to much cooler nights from late March onwards.
Destemming only of fruit to open fermenters and cultured yeast added for ferment. Open fermenter 7, 8 & 12 days on skins in 3 open fermenters, twice daily pump overs and 60% plunged, open cage bag pressed.
The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation then we rack and return to Oak barrels (33% new French oak, 12% 3-year-old French, Balance seasoned French with 16% American oak) for maturation.
TASTING NOTES
“Very deep and dense, with a nose of plum and herbs touched by toasty oak. It's middling in body with direct, uncomplicated flavours of good persistence. A touch of eucalypt enlivens the palate and seamlessly integrated ripe tannins support its easy drinkability. 90/100”
DRINK 2020–2026
Tasted by Huon Hooke, 28 June 2020
2017 vintage SOLD OUT - Next vintage available is 2021. Please contact Cellar Door to order.