Cabernet

The harmonious marriage of these two iconic grape varieties, with the added influence of the specific terroir of the region and the vineyard.

Here's how this vintage of our Shiraz Cabernet blends presents:

Colour: Deep ruby red with crimson highlights, reflecting the wine's concentration and youthfulness.

Aromas: The wine does offer an enticing and complex aromatic profile. Ripe blackberries and dark cherries might dominate, courtesy of the Shiraz, while Cabernet Sauvignon does contribute hints of cassis and subtle green bell pepper notes. The interplay of the two varieties does create an aromatic tapestry that includes nuances of tobacco, dried herbs, and possibly a touch of mint.

Palate: On the palate, the blend might present a medium-full body with a rich and balanced expression. The dark fruit flavours from the nose does transition smoothly to the palate, supported by well-integrated tannins. The Hunter Valley's signature acidity does provide a lively backbone, enhancing the wine's structure.

Terroir Expression: The red soil of the single vineyard does lend distinctive characteristics to the blend. Expect a touch of earthiness and minerality that adds depth and complexity.

Finish: The finish is lengthy and satisfying, with the wine's dark fruit flavours and oak nuances lingering on the palate.

Food Pairing: The wine's balanced structure and blend of fruitiness and complexity make it versatile for pairing. Consider matching it with hearty dishes like grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich stews. The blend's tannins and acidity does also complement dishes featuring mushrooms or aged cheeses.

Single Vineyard Focus: The fact that the wine comes from a single vineyard highlights its unique character and the ability to capture the essence of that specific site.

Ageability: Depending on the winemaking decisions and the vintage's characteristics, this blend does have potential for modest aging, allowing its flavours to evolve and integrate over time.

Overall Impression: The 2020 Heavy Metal blend from our Sweetwater Vineyard, offers a captivating and layered wine experience. Its interplay of dark fruit, structure, and the influence of terroir does create a wine that appeals to those seeking a well-rounded red blend that reflects both the grape varieties and the unique qualities of the Hunter Valley's terroir.

Nurtured in healthy red soils, is a wine that beautifully encapsulates the essence of its terroir and the characteristics of its vintage. The healthy red soils, known for their fertility and ability to provide excellent drainage, have contributed to the wine's distinctive profile.

A deep and vibrant crimson colour, hinting at the richness and concentration that the healthy red soils can bring to the grapes. The 2020 vintage, marked by its own climatic conditions, is have contributed to the wine's color intensity and overall structure.

On the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon offer an inviting bouquet of aromas that are emblematic of the grape variety. Expect to find blackcurrant, dark cherry, and possibly plum notes, reflecting the ripe fruit that the healthy red soils have helped nurture. Alongside the fruit, there are subtle spices, and cedar adding layers of complexity to the aromatic profile.

The healthy red soils' influence on the grapes would likely translate into a wine with well-defined tannins, providing a firm but not overpowering backbone. The 2020 vintage's conditions have allowed the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, resulting in a seamless integration of fruit flavours and acidity.

The fruit-forward nature of the wine shines through on the palate, with the blackcurrant and dark cherry notes taking centre stage. The richness and depth of the healthy red soils lends a certain weight to the wine's body, contributing to a satisfying mouthfeel.

A 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon from Sweetwater Estate is a wine that embodies both the distinct character of its terroir and the impact of the vintage. The terra rossa soils, known for their rich mineral content and drainage properties, have undoubtedly contributed to shaping this Cabernet Sauvignon's unique expression.

In appearance, the wine likely showcases a deep, garnet color that has matured with grace over the years. The 2010 vintage, marked by its own set of climatic conditions, has lent a certain sophistication to the wine's hue, offering a visual hint at the wine's maturity and complexity.

The aroma of this Cabernet Sauvignon is a symphony of both primary and secondary characteristics. The terra rossa soils have played their part in giving rise to intense blackcurrant and possibly dark cherry notes, which are classic hallmarks of Cabernet Sauvignon. Alongside these fruit-driven aromas, you find hints of cedar, tobacco, and possibly dried herbs. These secondary aromas, resulting from aging and interaction with oak, add layers of depth and complexity to the nose.

As the wine graces the palate, its maturity is more pronounced. The tannins, once firm, have softened with age, resulting in a smoother and more integrated structure. The rich fruit flavours observed on the nose carry over to the palate, joined by nuances of earthiness and perhaps even a touch of leather or cigar box, which are indicative of a well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon.

The finish of the wine is lingering and contemplative. The 2010 vintage's maturity has contributed to a finish that gracefully trails off, leaving a reminiscence of the wine's complex flavours.