2023 Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon

It may be just a tiny little parcel of Cabernet planted in the 1940s, however what a powerful little flavour packed expression it is! The Ashmead block has consistently produced small parcels of excellent quality fruit for several years. The block was almost destroyed in 1997 to make way for higher yielding vines, however the family made the decision to promote the vineyard to a higher destiny – thus the Ashmead.

Estate grown on the Nuriootpa vineyard, the fruit is sourced from a single block planted circa 1944. Deep alluvial silt over red and brown earths and limestone near the banks of the North Para River allow the vines to grow deep roots and the vines therefore need minimal irrigation.

Vineyard Source 100% Estate grown, Nuriootpa

Vine Age 79 years

After a mild spring, and just a hint of hot weather pre-Christmas, 2023 was a relatively cool and long season with more rainfall than the few years prior. Fortunately, our old vine Cabernet Sauvignon tends to have very low vigour, which significantly reduces the risk of disease. This is especially beneficial given that it’s a late-ripening variety, often maturing just as the season begins to break.
After hand picking, our destemmed Ashmead parcel spent a week in open fermenter with gentle cap management prior to pressing and then maturation in both new and seasoned French oak, from coopers we know and trust, to support the fruit and help build the structure of this wine without adding too much oak impact.

Alcohol: 14.00%

Aroma: Boysenberry, spiced vanilla

Appearance: Deep crimson

Taste: Red fruits, laced with fresh winter cooking herbs, unravel gracefully over the palate finishing with a finely tuned tannin profile which lingers with a blend of wooded berry
flavours to create a seamless long finish.

Mouthfeel: Classic, elegant

Ageing Process: 18 months in mostly new French oak puncheons

Drink now or cellar confidently for 10 - 15 years from vintage