Historically, Bleasdale Vineyards are one of Australia’s great treasures. The founder, the highly inventive, industrious and resourceful Frank Potts (1815 - 1890), to whom this wine is dedicated, is a 19th century genius, and a pioneer who has been described as being “made of the right stuff and well worthy of the grand old land that gave him birth.”
A terrific tribute wine to a pioneering genius
Frank Potts arrived in Australia as a 21 year old, having set sail from Plymouth England, and landing late in 1836. By the 1860’s, he had planted the original 30 acres of vineyard on the banks of the Bremmer Creek. Frank Potts was highly admired “One meets with extraordinary characters through life, but I doubt whether his equal could be found. In appearance a stranger would take him to be a poor labourer, with a thin, spare figure and long unkempt hair and invariably wearing his shirt sleeves tucked up. Although a most uncouth-looking person, and yet this man is a perfect genius! There is not a single thing mechanical or otherwise undertaken by him which he does not succeed in...” So remarked Inspector Tolmer, who was later to become Commissioner of Police, South Australia.
A superb Frank Potts that’s back to top form.
Frank Potts was one of the first to recognise the benefits of red gum. After building several houses for himself, he made tools and a bullock dray to cut down and haul these massive timbers in order to construct a gigantic twin wine press and several enormous wine vats. He also created the irrigation system that's still in place today. What little spare time he might have had was spent building a piano and various race winning yachts!
Frank's legacy can be experienced by visiting the Bleasdale winery. His great, great grandsons still run the enterprise today.
Tasting Note:
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 76% & Malbec 24% the wine displays an opaque black dark red colour with deep dark red hue. Maturation took place in French oak. The nose presents a perfumed aromatic profile of violets, blackcurrant, spice and cedar followed by a hint of mint and cigar box as end notes. A delightful sniff displaying excellent varietal character. Mouthfilling palate flavours of blackcurrant, cedar and spice followed by some earthy tobacco like characters on the back palate. Excellent depth with fine grained tannin structure in perfect balance with the fruit. Long aftertaste of mulberry, blackcurrant, spice and earthy cedar.
Cellar 4-5 years (2014-2015)
14.5% Alc
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