Palate
Implies the intensity and richness that is abundantly delivered on bouquet and palate. Full of dense and very ripe blackberry and blackcurrant fruits with hints of sweet mint, freshly rubbed savoury herbs, earth and truffle. The fruit power and opulence of the palate is deftly cradled by well integrated ripe fruit, firm acidity and fine oak tannins. A wine of great presence that will age with grace.
Growing Conditions
Exceptional vintage from the premium, southern grape growing regions of Western Australia. Winter rainfall was close to the long term average. The growing and ripening seasons, while largely warm and dry were punctuated with rains and windy conditions that did affect set and subsequent yields in many varieties. Warm, dry weather from late summer to midautumn delivered even ripening for the harvest. A mild end to the season allowed all varieties to ripen perfectly with high natural acidity, fine fruit structure and silky tannins
Harvest
After handpicking the grapes are sorted and then fermented in a mix of small static fermenters and open stainless steel vats. The wines are hand-plunged and pumped over as required to balance the extraction of colour, tannin and flavour development. Each fermenter is basket-pressed to French oak barriques for 18 months of maturation which allows for the thorough integration of the oak and grape tannins.
Winemaking
Bercrombie Cabernet is sourced from the Dennis vineyard in Mt. Barker and the Leston vineyard in Margaret River. Each year the blend is a reflection of the fortunes of both vineyards. As such the blend reflects the combination of the best from both each year. 2010 was an exceptional year for the Great Southern Cabernet and the Dennis vineyard dominates the blend.
Appearance
The deep and dark ruby colour.