1998 St. Huberts Cabernet Merlot

Another very well made wine from St. Huberts. Deep crimson colour. Aroma of blackcurrants, liquorice and spice followed by a touch of truffle. Excellent weight and mouthfeel. On the palate, the flavour of blood plum is dominant, followed by blackcurrant spice and vanilla oak. Fine grained tannins, followed long cherry plum spice aftertaste. Cellar 4-5 years.

Wineries Notes: St Huberts was the forerunner in the revival of the Yarra Valley as a premium grape-growing region and its vineyard has a history dating back to the 1860s. Today's vineyards were replanted in 1966 to concentrate on the premium varieties that are now included in this prestigious range.The 1998 vintage was excellent, allowing the grapes to be picked at optimum flavour and sugar ripeness levels. This wine is a result of blending parcels of fruit from some of Victoria's premium wine growing regions, namely the Yarra Valley, Strathbogie Ranges, King Valley and Glenrowan. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot.Fermentation was in static fermentation vessels and vinimatic fermenters with some extended cold soak. Partial barrel fermentation was used to provide balance and softness. Maturation was for 12 months in both new and seasoned French and American oak barrels.Tasting Notes: This premium wine comes from the excellent 1998 vintage. A deep plummy red colour with a youthful hue frames the intense aromas of blackberry, plums and spice. Merlot, with its lifted fruit characters and soft middle palate complements the powerful intensity and length (provided by the tannin structure) of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak maturation for 12 months has provided complex subtle flavours and freshness. Cellar 5 - 8 years. 13.5% alcohol volume.