BalnavesThe Blend 2018
About this product
Vintage 2018 was warm and early with great ripening conditions for Merlot. This year’s Balnaves The Blend is Merlot (56%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Cabernet Franc (9%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Matured in 12% new oak, the balance in seasoned French oak for 14 months prior to bottling in September 2019.
Deep red in colour, the nose shows soft round satsuma plum and blueberry fruit aromas with a smokey coffee/vanillan note from the oak. Medium bodied with bright red and black fruit and a spicy firm tannin finish. An outstanding example of the blend from an excellent vintage.
Vintage 2018 was warm and early with great ripening conditions for Merlot. This year’s Balnaves The Blend is Merlot (56%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Cabernet Franc (9%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Matured in 12% new oak, the balance in seasoned French oak for 14 months prior to bottling in September 2019.
Deep red in colour, the nose shows soft round satsuma plum and blueberry fruit aromas with a smokey coffee/vanillan note from the oak. Medium bodied with bright red and black fruit and a spicy firm tannin finish. An outstanding example of the blend from an excellent vintage.
- TypeCabernet Sauvignon
- Size750ML
- RegionCoonawarra
- Current Vintage2018 - Vintage is not guaranteed and may vary store to store or when delivered.
- Standard Drinks8.3
- Alcohol Volume14%
- CountryAustralia
- StateSouth Australia
- Brand NameBalnaves
- Wine MakerPete Bissell
- ClosureScrew Cap
- Wine SweetnessDry
- Wine BodyFull Bodied
James Halliday
Australian wine writer, critic and winemaker
Vintage 2018
92 points Halliday Wine Companion 2022
Combines 54/34/9% Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc and the all-important 1% glug of petit Verdot. Reflecting its regional bearings brilliantly and a bargain to boot. Florals, red fruits, just a hint of raspberry confectionary and no shortage of spices either. Medium bodied at best, a coating of furry ripe tannins and sweet fruit crossing to a savouriness.
92 points. Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2022Vintage 2018
93 points
Dan’s wine panel co-ordinator, Gary Braidner, couldn’t believe his luck. “ReallyDan’s wine panel co-ordinator, Gary Braidner, couldn’t believe his luck. “Really? You can get a 2018 Coonawarra red of this quality for under $20? Unbelievable!” It’s right on the money and displays its Coonawarra credentials loudly. Nicely balanced, with fleshy red fruit, blue fruit and light chalky tannins - oak is held right back and a regional peppermint character adds freshness. Immensely drinkable. You can get a 2018 Coonawarra red of this quality for under $20Dan’s wine panel co-ordinator, Gary Braidner, couldn’t believe his luck. “Really? You can get a 2018 Coonawarra red of this quality for under $20? Unbelievable!” It’s right on the money and displays its Coonawarra credentials loudly. Nicely balanced, with fleshy red fruit, blue fruit and light chalky tannins - oak is held right back and a regional peppermint character adds freshness. Immensely drinkable. Unbelievable!” It’s right on the money and displays its Coonawarra credentials loudly. Nicely balanced, with fleshy red fruit, blue fruit and light chalky tannins - oak is held right back and a regional peppermint character adds freshness. Immensely drinkable.
Ratings and Reviews
