2009 Bleasdale Frank Potts Dry Red Blend

A terrific tribute wine to a pioneering genius.
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.” He 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. 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. Frank 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! The Potts' legacy can be experienced by visiting the Bleasdale winery. His great, great grandsons still run the enterprise today. A Superb Langhorne Creek blend.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc that was matured in French oak for 18 months. Opaque black dark crimson red colour with deep dark crimson red hue. The nose displays tobacco infused blackcurrant top notes followed by some mulberry and a touch of earthy cedar and spice as end notes. Full bodied the palate is packed with opulent fruit that gives the wine a fleshy plush mouthfeel. Flavours of ripe blackcurrant are dominate followed by nuances of dark chocolate, cedary tobacco like qualities, a touch of earth and spice. Velvet smooth, perfectly integrated tannins. Long aftertaste of ripe blackcurrant, some dark chocolate, cedary tobacco, earth and spice.
Cellar 4-5 years (2016-2017)
Alc 13.9%