Nose
The bouquet is fragrant with berries, cherries & currants, complemented by violets & red liquorice. Oak-derived notes of cedar, vanilla & chocolate add complexity
Palate
The medium to full-bodied palate is plush; ripe with raspberry, mulberry, blueberry & cassis showing great purity of flavour. Tannins are ripe, & silky, the lasting impression on the finish being one of great finesse
Growing Conditions
An exceptional vintage. The season commenced with a wet start to June when rainfall was 30% above average. From this point onwards the months dried to below average rainfall & maximum temperatures crept up above the long-term averages. Lower yields, but outstanding quality across the board
Harvest
The Cabernet Sauvignon was picked on 17th of March at a Baumé of 12.8° Bé, whilst the Malbec was hand-picked on 11th March at 13° Bé. The Karridale vineyard is sustainably farmed following organic principles
Bottling
Bottled October 2021
Winemaking
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Malbec (10%). The Cabernet was sorted, destemmed & inoculated then fermented in open fermenters & hand-plunged three times a day for gentle extraction over 8 days. The Malbec was whole-bunch fermented (carbonic maceration) followed by wild yeast ferment in open fermenters and finished in barrel. Vegan friendly.
Aging
Oak maturation of 14 months took place in French barriques of which 12% were new.
Appearance
Deep red / purple in appearance
Food Pairing
Steak with porcini butter and charred onion