The fruit for this wine was naturally fermented in open fermenters, then basket pressed and matured in 30% new American oak. Part of Heirloom’s “regional” series, seeking to showcase the hero from each region. From Elena Brooks and her husband Zar, and winemaker Rosie Signer. 

Heirloom Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawara, 2018

Opens with bay, black olive before big puffs of varietal cassis, violets, leafy young eucalypt and chocolatey oak with a vanilla tinge. Minty fresh, full bodied with firm and grainy tannins and a little prickle of heat. Sways through modernity of fruit forwardness before the reminder of earthier solid Coonawarra with blackcurrant and eucalypt. Medium length and fine persistence through the back end of the palate.

RRP: $40
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 17.75/20 (91/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Heirloom Vineyards