Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Balnaves is a family estate in Coonawarra, South Australia, founded in 1970 and built on the region's celebrated terra rossa, a band of red iron-rich earth over white limestone. The free-draining soil lets the roots of older Cabernet vines reach the underlying limestone for steady water, much as in St Emilion and the Côte d'Or. Coonawarra's cool maritime climate suits Cabernet Sauvignon, ripening the thick-skinned grape slowly so it keeps fresh acidity, firm tannins and the minty, eucalyptus lift that marks the region. The wine ages eighteen months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds cedar and spice. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows red currant, cassis and dark cherry with eucalyptus, mint and tobacco. The palate is full bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant for an hour. It is a classic match for roast and grilled red meats.