Cabernet

The harmonious marriage of these two iconic grape varieties, from two iconic regions of New South Wales.

Here's how this vintage of our Cabernet Shiraz 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 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.

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.

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 2021 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.

With some of the finest fruit, grown just outside of Young & Boorowa in the Hilltops region, our classic Cabernet Malbec blend is a classic varietal example of these two flavour powerhouses. This 2022 was a cooler year in a cool climate region and presents as...

Appearance: The wine would likely display a deep, rich ruby color with purple hues, indicating its youthfulness. Its viscosity might be moderate to high, suggesting a certain richness and concentration.

Aroma: On the nose you'll encounter a complex array of aromas. The Cabernet component could contribute notes of blackcurrant, and capsicum or mint. The Malbec, on the other hand, might add layers of ripe plum, blueberry, and floral nuances. The integration of French oak imparts additional complexities, such as subtle vanilla, cedar, and spice undertones.

Taste: As it hits your palate, the wine showcases a harmonious balance between its varietal components and oak influence. The Cabernet's firm tannins provide structure and grip, while the Malbec's softer, silkier tannins contribute to a plush mouthfeel. Expect a medium to full-bodied wine with a generous fruit expression, featuring flavours of dark berries, and a touch of blackcurrant leaf. The acidity is vibrant, providing freshness and ensuring a good aging potential.

Finish: The wine's finish is long and lingering, with the fruit flavors slowly tapering off, leaving a pleasant sensation of dark chocolate or espresso on the palate. The tannins, while present, are be well-integrated, contributing to a structured finish without overpowering the fruit.

Overall Impression: Our 2022 Cabernet Malbec from the Hilltops, is a fine example of the region's viticultural prowess harnessed by our winemaking skills. It offers a compelling combination of varietal expression, terroir influence, and skilled oak integration, making it a wine worthy of both immediate enjoyment and potential cellar aging.

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.