1995 Lake's Folly Cabernet

Notes sourced from Lakes Folly.

Lake's Folly was the first new vineyard in the Hunter Valley last century, established by Max Lake and his family in 1963. Only two wines are produced, a red (Cabernet blend) and a white (100% Chardonnay), using all estate grown fruit.
The winemaking aspect is very simple. Hand picking, gentle crushing and traditional open fermentation for the reds and barrel fermentation and extended yeast lees contact for the Chardonnay. Judicious use of French oak, small barrel maturation for both, bottling and that's it, no more, no less.
The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat, and south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years.
Only two wines are made, a White (100% Chardonnay) and a Red (Cabernet blend). The style is restrained and elegant showing finesse and complexity. They have clarity of structure, and a great length of flavour. The Red is a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Shiraz and Merlot to fill out the middle palate and Petit Verdot (one of the Bordeaux blending varieties)