Frequently Asked Questions
After nearly a decade in bottle, this wine has reached that sweet spot where its robust tannins have mellowed to silky perfection while the fruit remains vibrant. Cabernet Sauvignon typically needs 5-10 years to fully integrate its components, and this 2016 demonstrates how patience rewards wine lovers with complex secondary flavours like cigar box and olive tapenade emerging alongside the core dark berry fruit. The extended ageing has created a harmonious balance that's genuinely rare to experience.
Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil - that distinctive red earth over limestone - provides exceptional drainage and mineral complexity that Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in. The region's cool climate allows for extended ripening periods, developing intense flavours while maintaining natural acidity. This terroir influence is evident in the wine's mineral warmth and structured tannins, characteristics that have helped establish Coonawarra as Australia's premier Cabernet region alongside Bordeaux-style elegance.
These complex tertiary flavours emerge through bottle ageing as the wine's primary fruit characters evolve and integrate with oak-derived compounds. The tobacco notes often develop from the interaction between tannins and phenolic compounds over time, while allspice characteristics can arise from both the grape's natural spice elements and subtle oak influence. These savoury, warming spices add sophisticated layers that distinguish well-aged Cabernet from younger, fruit-forward expressions.
Achieving 96 points from both Wine Orbit and Wine Showcase Magazine, plus 94 points from Wine Pilot, indicates this is an outstanding example of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon that has impressed across different critical palates. Such consistent high scoring suggests exceptional quality in both winemaking technique and terroir expression. The Gold Medal recognition further confirms this wine represents benchmark quality for the variety and region, making it a serious collector's piece.
Serve this wine at 16-18°C after decanting for at least an hour to allow the mature tannins to open fully and the complex aromatics to develop. The full-bodied nature and layered flavours pair beautifully with rich red meats, aged cheeses, or dishes with earthy elements that complement the olive tapenade and mineral notes. Given its perfect drinking window, this wine will reward immediate consumption while showcasing nearly a decade of careful cellaring.
