Bannockburn Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz 2015

Bannockburn’s Cabernet blends showcase the depth and strength of the estate’s savoury signature. The team are always pleasantly surprised by the resilience and quality of their aged Cabernet-based wines, finding structure, freshness and remarkable balance more often than not—a fact that can be attributed to the quality of site and farming, no doubt.  The fruit hails from some of the oldest plantings at the estate: 1976 and 1981 Cabernet Sauvignon, 1981 Merlot and 1996 Shiraz. All three varieties are rooted deep in volcanic, dark, loamy soils atop a limestone base. In 2015, the fruit was picked by hand and destemmed, with a small portion left as whole clusters. The wine saw a lengthy maceration, after which it matured in seasoned French barrels of various sizes for 12 months.

Savoury and spicy with wisps of brambly fruits, baking spice and an enticing iron filing edge. The structure is sound, with lasting tannins and fresh acidity supporting the lovely mix of freshness and early signs of maturity, leading to a savoury, lengthy close. This is in a lovely spot.