1997 Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is made from fruit grown on the historic 150 year old Turkey Flat vineyard.  The Cabernet Sauvignon is planted on the river flat near the cellar door where tobacco once grew during World War 1.  Although the tobacco did not thrive, the Cabernet Sauvignon vines produce fruit of exceptional richness and concentration.  

What sets Cabernet Sauvignon apart is its ability to travel, to set down its roots in distant lands and still produce something that is recognizably Cabernet, whatever the circumstances and conditions.  Whilst the Barossa Valley has largely earned its reputation for making 'big' reds with the Shiraz grape variety, this wine is certainly proof that the Barossa can produce Cabernet with power and concentration. 

The 1997 vintage has produced excellent wines which are intense and full of varietal flavour.  Like most of Southern Australia the Barossa was hit with a burst of 40°C heat in late February, followed by cool weather which served to delay ripening through late March.  However an extended Indian summer contributed to superb colour and flavour development in reds.