Jonathon Mattick and family took the jump of buying the (former) Canobolas Smith vineyard in Orange in early 2022 after many years on the Mornington Peninsula. Situated at 820m above sea level, the nearly 40 year old vines have produced many quality wines in years previous and they certainly will again now with Jono at the helm.

A best of blend with 50% equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% de-stemmed. Natural ferment in stainless steel. Racked to barrel for malolactic fermentation. 13 months maturation in oak (40% new).

Canobolas Wines, Alchemy, Orange, 2022

Medium garnet to purple. Opulent and plush blue and black fruit: blueberries and pastilles. Pencil case and decadent Belgian chocolate over floral violets and clove spice. Vibrant and edgy, pulsing with energy and life while giving a little hedonism with fleshy dark fruit and velvety, yet taut tannins. Clean and bright through the long, long tail.

RRP: $95
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 95/100

Wine sample courtesy of Canobolas Wines