2013 Balnaves of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

The Balnaves Coonawarra Vineyard was established in 1975, and is situated at the southern end of the Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. Blended from Balnaves Dead Morris, Quarry and 1976 Old Cabernet vineyards, this wine spent 19 months in tight-grain French oak from Taransaud, Saury and Berger cooperages.

Opaque midnight black dark red colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Potent ripe blackcurrant aromas intermixed with a hint of liquorice rise from the glass underpinned by vanillin cedar, some dried tobacco and spice. Medium to full bodied with ample rich blackcurrant and liquorice fruits swamping the palate over vanillin cedar, light tobacco and spice. The superb richness and concentration of fruit held together by an undercarriage of sturdy, yet refined tannins that show excellent integration. Great length with a long conclusion of blackcurrant, liquorice, vanillin cedar, mint and faint spicy tobacco.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews….
From three vineyards, matured for 19 months in French oak from big-name coopers. A serious cabernet showing just what Coonawarra can do in a top vintage; it is intense, complex and packed with cassis/blackcurrant fruit, savoury tannins and positive oak. Drink by 2053.
96 points
James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

Immediately appealing for its perfume, a lock in through choc-mint, sage, dark berry, violet and liquorice (raspberry and salted) scents. Yum. The palate is supple, finely wrought, just juicy but shaded with very fine tannins. Flavours roll long, fine, floating on sweet fruit, cool acidity, sleek line of oak and a web of building tannin firmness. It’s a beautiful young wine but should mature with complete grace. Just so charming, and great drinking.
94 points
Mike Bennie – The Wine Front