Domaine A now under the custodianship of the team at Moorilla, but during 2018, winemaker Conor Van Der Reest worked with Peter Althaus, the former custodian on the blending and composition. Conor states that Peter was the primary decision maker for the blend, while Conor’s “contribution was to bring in some new oak” and to “push fermentations to have a little more fruit weight.” The final blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot.
Note, bottle image is of 2017, but naught else has changed.
Domaine A, Stoney Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coal Valley, 2018
Cool earth, blackberry and cassis with dusty violets, sweet roasted root vegetables, chocolate wafer, tomato sugo, woody/stalky mint, cigar end and a little cedar. Ripe and plush tannins make a lovely cushioned ride for plenty of dark fruit and lip smacking tannin. Smoky char and a briny, sandy earthy feel to the finish. One for the cooler weather that’s now upon us.
RRP: $35
Alc: 13.7%
Rating: 17.75/20 (91/100)
vinonotebook 