Shingleback D Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Australia)

Shingleback D Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Australia)Oak focused Cocao & cedar Cassis & blueberry Fine tannins "Always a wine where varietal expression is to the fore, and that seems to be accentuated with this vintage. Blackcurrant and mulberry are the prominent aromas, and theres a back note of minty, herbal, anise characters which are quite appropriate. Its flavoursome and four square, but excellent balance through the palate dials the drinkability up to high" James Halliday, Wine Companion 2020 Deep

• Oak focused
• Cocao & cedar
• Cassis & blueberry
• Fine tannins

"Always a wine where varietal expression is to the fore, and that seems to be accentuated with this vintage. Blackcurrant and mulberry are the prominent aromas, and there’s a back note of minty, herbal, anise characters which are quite appropriate. It’s flavoursome and four-square, but excellent balance through the palate dials the drinkability up to high" James Halliday, Wine Companion 2020

Deep purple-red. Primary aromas of blackcurrants and violets are highlighted with nuances of bay leaf, cocoa and cedar. Cassis and blueberry flavours flow through the palate into the lingering finish. Fine structural elements of tannin and oak focus and define the moreish palate. A medium – full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that eloquently expresses the synergy of the old Reynell clone vines, the terroir and my personal winemaking philosophy.

Healthy soaking winter rains continued through spring and into early summer setting up good canopies without the need of supplementary irrigation. Wet soils and a cool start to spring resulted in flowering being 3 weeks later than in the previous years. Good fruitfulness of the vines and higher bunch weights meant crop levels were generally above average. Careful canopy management and a timely stop to the rains in mid-January minimised disease pressure. The dry & generally mild February and March were followed by a warmer than average April, allowing a long, slow ripening period and an orderly progression to harvest. Semillon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for Rosé, mostly harvested around the first week of March, all showed vibrant cool climate flavours and structural minerality. A burst of heat gave the reds a push allowing us to start filling the fermenters towards mid-March. The early red fruit was perfumed and spicy with excellent length. As vintage progressed fruit weight increased and flavours moved into darker berry profiles. Our palette of Shiraz wines are spicy and aromatic with good concentration and length. Cabernets are very varietal with blackcurrant and leafy notes. The Shingleback harvest finished with Mataro picked after Easter on the 18th of April, timed nicely before rains that fell shortly after.

In a small niche of the John Petrucci vineyard the soil, climate and Cabernet Sauvignon combine to create something special - the fruit that is ultimately hand crafted to become D Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Gentle hand working of the skins in small, 5 tonne open fermenters and traditional winemaking practices protect and nurture the unique qualities of the terroir. Very fine grained French oak hogsheads are used to allow a long, slow maturation of the wine and subtle oak integration. A combination of new and 1 - 6 year old oak barrels, crafted by select coopers to our requirements, are used to create nuances and diversity of flavour.