I'm so excited to announce that my 2017 Handcrafted Enfant Terrible McLaren Vale Cabernet will be released this month on Naked. It's been 4 years since I last released a Cabernet Sauvignon on Naked so get excited with me. Here is a little run down of the season, winemaking and wine.
The 2017 McLaren Vale vintage was in short perfect (a warm, dry summer followed by a cool, dry autumn). After a warm, fast flowering to fruit (set) period, we saw an 'even set' of berries per bunch/ vine across the vineyard. The excellent set necessitated significant fruit thinning at veraison. These growing conditions were optimal for our reds (primarily Cabernet and Shiraz). As a result the wines have developed high colour density, fruit concentration and tannin structure. The Cabernet demonstrates typical regional charm and definitive varietal fruit flavour. With blackcurrant and green tobacco flavours, it is full bodied with structured tannins and a dusty sweet oak finish. This wine was seasoned for 24 months in two and three year old sweet American oak. The wine is approachable now due to the touch of Merlot (0.45%) and Shiraz (0.05%), back blended into the wine prior to bottling. However, it will cellar well for 8+ years. I suggest drinking this wine within 3-5 years to savour the strong regional Cabernet characters. So as the nights are getting cooler, this wine is the perfect accompaniment with hearty winter grub! An ideal match with pasta or steak and salad or try with my favourite food pairing, slow cooked lamb shanks.
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Enjoy the Unconventional, -JP