Description
The family owned Balnaves can trace their history back to 1976. Their first five hectares on Coonawarra’s famous Terra Rossa soils has grown to over 50 hectare. 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 for accolades and more importantly happy customers to vouch for it.
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.
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’.
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