Chapel Hill

Gorge Block Cabernet Sauvignon

Grown at Chapel Hill on one of the most cherished estate-vineyards, this Cabernet Sauvignon has been crafted from grapes entirely sourced from the Gorge Block. Gentle and patient winemaking is preferred to ensure that the wine expresses the unique site characters. The selectively harvested grapes were gently crushed, fermented in an open fermenter and hand plunged to facilitate subtle tannin extraction. After 12 days on skins the fermenter was basket pressed and the free run and pressing fractions were combined. The wine was then aged for 20 months in 100% tight grained French oak. The proportion of new oak was kept low to encourage the continued expression of the characters that are exclusive to the vineyard site. To preserve purity and character the wine is made with minimal additions and is allowed to clarify naturally without the use of fining or filtration. Shallow, rocky soils result in a complex array of fruit characters as well as a mouth-watering fine grained tannin structure. Open grape bunches and thick grape skins result in a wine that is both powerful and graceful.