WINEMAKING

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot were machine harvested separately then destemmed and crushed into static fermenters where it was fermented using yeast selected to express desirable varietal flavours and aromas. The fermenters were pumped over twice a day. Temperature was held between 24-26°C for a slow extraction of tannins and increased development of fermentation complexity. Maceration was not extended to prevent over extraction of tannin. The wine was pressed and transferred for malolactic fermentation on oak allowing a soft integration of the grape and oak tannins. The wine was blended and bottled after ten months maturation.

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2018 vintage will go down as a classic, great all-round year. Flowering and fruit set were also exceptional giving solid yields across WA. Some significant rain events in December set up the vineyard with good levels of ground water to see them through ripening. A relatively cool summer has allowed for slow, steady ripening of whites, retaining high levels of natural acidity. The moderate temperatures continued allowing for optimum ripening conditions for reds resulting in wines with elegance, structure and flavour.