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 Estate was purchased by the Collett Family in 1973, upon which stood a small 19th century cottage. Nestled in amongst the eucalypt trees, an old orchard and a small amount of vineyards, this cottage has been home to various members of the Collett family for nearly 50 years, while the winery and vineyards have gradually developed in the surrounding land. 43 rows of Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted next to this cottage in 1976, replacing an old orchard. Since then, this Cabernet has thrived, producing bold wine with natural acidity and firm tannin structure. This wine pays homage to the old Woodstock cottage and the vineyards surrounding it.

Winemaking process: The 45 year old Cottage Block Cabernet Sauvignon vines produce small bunches of sparse little marble-like berries. We harvest the fruit just prior to achieving full ripeness, ensuring that a degree of herbaceous varietal character is retained in our wine. The fruit is destemmed and crushed into stainless steel fermenters where it remains to ferment for approximately 5 days, pumped over twice daily. This results in great colour and tannin structure without bitterness or over extracted character. Maturation in seasoned oak hogsheads allows tannins to soften over time, providing richness and complexity. McLaren Vale is famous for generous middle-palate flavours in Shiraz, but this character also shines through in this Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting notes: Bold tannin and unexpected mid - palate richness. The wine shows distinctive blackcurrant and subtle mulberry on the nose with hints of herbaceous tomato leaf character. The palate provides a harmonious balance between bright purple fruit and chocolate with mature oak derived savoury olive tapenade - like complexity.

VEGAN