1996 Lindemans Coonawarra Pyrus

Notes sourced from Southcorp.

Lindemans Pyrus is named after the original Pyrus Vineyard and Orchard at Coonawarra, established in the 1890s. Internationally recognised, Lindemans Coonawarra Pyrus has rapidly and deservedly gained a 'classic style' status since its introduction in 1987. Pyrus exemplifies tile modern Australian Cabernet blend. Rich in fruit, well structured and perfectly balanced, it is eminently approachable in its youth but offers even greater complexity with further cellaring.1996 was a very cool vintage in Coonawarra, with the temperatures in November and December proving to be the coldest on record. According to winemaker Greg Clayfield the wines have good varietal characters and are fairly rich. However, yields for the Malbec and Cabernet Franc were low which has resulted in a smaller quantity of Pyrus being made in the 1996 vintageMade from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc the wine was matured in new French oak hogsheads and barriques for 17 months. Dark crimson-red colour-On the nose there are complex cedar and mint aromas as well as regional plum fruit characters so typical of the Coonawarra, with well integrated lightly toasted French oak in the backgroundThe palate displays fully ripened sweet fruit flavours finishing with soft, velvety tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon has provided the solid base, the Merlot softness, the Cabernet Franc mintiness and the Malbec palate length. This is one of the best Pyrus blends produced to date. The soft tannin structure and ripe fuit make it very drinkable now although it will cellar a further 5-7 years. 13.0% alcohol volume