2007 Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon

The Balnaves Coonawarra property has been in the same family for 3 generations, but it was not until 1975 that vines were planted, with the first wines produced under the Balnaves label being released in 1990. Today, the vineyard has grown to 58 hectares in size with production normally around the 10,000 case mark. Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the best suited variety to the Terra Rossa soils, accounts for 70% of total vineyard plantings. The rows are planted to a North-South orientation, thus ensuring 22% more sun light which results in perfectly ripe berries without the menacing herbaceous vegetal character that can be found in some cool climate Cabernets.

The 2007 vintage saw unprecedented frosts over Southern Australia with Coonawarra being particularly badly affected – it’s estimated that approximately 70% of the regions vineyards were burnt by the severe frost. Balnaves lost an estimated 90% of their crop, however, fortunately, their two best Cabernet Sauvignon blocks (from which this wine was produced), the Dead Morris and Quarry blocks were under sprinkler frost protection and not adversely affected.

From adversity Balnaves have produced an excellent Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.

This Cabernet has spent 16 months in tight-grain French Oak casks sourced from a variety of coopers.
Opaque, black crimson mauve colour with black crimson hue, Showing excellent cling to the glass. Superb nose - Perfumed with violet top note followed by blackcurrant, dark chocolate and spice. The palate structure is relatively tight knit but fares well for bottle aging. Flavours of cedar, blackcurrant and cigar box over dark chocolate showing excellent varietal character. Fine grained tannins showing excellent balance. Very long aftertaste of cedar, dark chocolate and blackcurrant.
Cellar 5-8 years (2014-2017)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
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