The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon

In 1969, after a considerable search, the Taylor family found a promising 178-hectare site by the Wakefield River in the Clare Valley. They were certain the soil – Terra Rossa (red loam over limestone) – would prove conducive to crafting wines of the highest quality. The contrast of warm days and cool nights in the Clare Valley would be equally beneficial – helping the grapes ripen in the day and allowing the vines to rest at night. A passion for Bordeaux and a firm belief in the quality of the Clare Valley terroir, led founder Bill Taylor to plant Cabernet Sauvignon as the main red varietal of the estate, an unusual move at the time. He believed Cabernet grown here could rival the best in the world. His vision was carried out a generation later by his son, Mitchell, who produces this top Cabernet of the estate. It is made only in exceptional vintages and harvested from top estate parcels.

The Clare Valley is nestled high in the Mt. Lofty Ranges. Positioned 1,150ft a.s.l. and enjoying near constant sunny days, it yields wines that are rich, yet balanced by natural high acidity. This part of the Clare Valley receives roughly 1760 hours of sunshine per year, the highest of any premium wine region in Australia. A huge diurnal temperature range can result with a daytime temperate of 95˚F, plummeting down to 45˚F at night. The soils are very old and varied; the youngest soil dating back 640 million years. The most prominent soil in the area is Terra Rossa.

Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured in American oak barrels; 40% new, the remainder in 2 and 3-year-old barrels. After 12 months aging, a careful barrel selection is made to identify the best ones, destined for this bottling. The selected few are aged for an additional 8 months prior to bottling.

Perfumed and concentrated with great focus and balance between exuberant fresh vinosity and fine-grain oak that closes around the youthful bouquet. Classic savory tannins and an explosive core of cassis and dark fruits . Finely stated oak tannins and vinous richness intertwine lead to an elegant, and tightly-defined finish.