2018 Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon

James Halliday Wine Companion 2022

95 / 100
All cabernet, and it's marching to its own tune. Hum along to the chorus of pristine flavours of blackberries, mulberries, juniper and baking spices, plus some chocolate flecked with mint. The palate is well contained, with sweet fruit and oak neatly played out. Tannins are lovely – grainy and textural
All cabernet, and it's marching to its own tune. Hum along to the chorus of pristine flavours of blackberries, mulberries, juniper and baking spices, plus some chocolate flecked with mint. The palate is well contained, with sweet fruit and oak neatly played out. Tannins are lovely – grainy and textural.

Vintage 2018 was warm and early after a frosty start. Cabernet Sauvignon was picked from Old paulownia, Dead Morris, Walker and Vortmann blocks and matured in 44% new tight grained French oak for 14 months prior to light egg fining and bottling.

Deep, dark purple red, the nose is very dense and plush with aromatics of cassis and blackberry and a touch of liquorice and fine integrated coffee from the oak.