The backbone of this blend is formed by the venerable plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to 1976 and 1981, complemented by Merlot from the same 1981 vineyard and a 1996 planting of Shiraz. Nurtured in soils rich in volcanic, dark loam, and clay overlaying a limestone base, these grapes thrive, imbuing the wine with a unique sense of terroir.
Handpicked with care, the fruit undergoes a meticulous process where a portion is destemmed while the rest is left as whole clusters, fermenting on skins for an extended maceration period. Following pressing, the juice embarks on a journey of maturation, spending one year in French oak barriques of varying sizes and ages, before gracefully aging in old barrels for an additional year in our cellars at Bannockburn Vineyards.
This wine stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of back-vintage Cabernet-based wines at Bannockburn. Despite its maturity, the wine displays a firm structural integrity, with well-balanced acidity and a captivating harmony of flavours. Classic notes of cassis and violet typical of Cabernet Sauvignon intermingle with the plushness of Merlot and the intriguing pepper and savoury undertones of Shiraz. Offering tremendous value, this wine, with a few years of aging, is poised to shine, whether enjoyed in generous glasses, decanted into a carafe, or gracing the dining table with its presence.
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Shiraz, 7% Merlot.