Region: Australia, McLaren Vale

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Background: Started by the late Doug Collet in 1973, Woodstock in McLaren Vale has always had an eye on the future. As well as red, white and rose wines, Woodstock has a ken focus on fortified wines too. When his son and current owner, Scott took over in 1982, the tradition has continued with fine wine making from the old vines on the property. Ben Glaetzer is now the chief winemaker with Scott managing vines – a winning team as shown by the Heartland range. Woodstock has enjoyed a strong reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon since 1982. Situated in the higher and cooler end of the Vale, Woodstock is the perfect home for the Cabernet Sauvignon variety. Warm, sunny days with cool gully and evening sea breezes ensure the Cabernet fruit ripens well and retains its natural acidity.

Winemaking process: There are four blocks of Cabernet on the Estate... each providing a unique character to the wine. Low yielding old vines from our Honey Hut block provide palate weight, Block 3 vines provide a hearty backbone, our “Pineless” Block provides lifted berry characters enhanced by the Creek Block’s added leafiness. Yields range from 6 to 10 tonnes per hectare. Small berries with ample fermentation time on skins result in great colour and tannin structure. This wine was matured for just over 14 months in 13% new oak and the rest in 2 to 3 year old carefully selected American and French oak to provide softness and complexity.

Tasting notes: Classic leafy Cabernet aromas, with alluring hints of cedar and spice bouquet. Evolving flavours of juicy blackberries, rhubarb, eucalypt, toasty oak and mint combine with a rich, fleshy middle palate to create a balanced, savoury finish that lingers. This wine has bright acid and firm yet elegant tannins, which provide complexity and roundness.

Reviews: James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion 2013 - Rating 93: 'Strong purple-crimson; a generous, medium-bodied wine with bitter chocolate characters signalling the region, the black and redcurrant fruit even more enthusiastic with its message. Very attractive wine. Exceptional value.'

VEGAN