Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Australia)

Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Australia)"A fabulously styled cabernet offering rich fruit notes of cassis and dark plum together with spicy oak, tobacco and assorted nut characters on the nose. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent fruit intensity and plump mouthfeel, leading to a lengthy delicious finish. At its best: now to 2023" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2019 Deep red purple colour while aromas of blackcurrant and mocha fill the glass, with hints of rosemary and five spice. The

"A fabulously styled cabernet offering rich fruit notes of cassis and dark plum together with spicy oak, tobacco and assorted nut characters on the nose. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent fruit intensity and plump mouthfeel, leading to a lengthy delicious finish. At its best: now to 2023" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Aug 2019

Deep red purple colour while aromas of blackcurrant and mocha fill the glass, with hints of rosemary and five spice. The palate follows through with blackcurrant and is complimented by notes of ripe plums and spice. Together with the soft round tannins, this produces a wine which has great length of flavour and plushness.

The 2018 growing season had all the hallmarks of a classic vintage. Consistent warm temperatures produced perfect conditions for our red varieties to ripen. This along with good winter rains and a dry harvest period resulted in wines with great depth of varietal flavours, excellent tannin structure and colour along with a long balanced finish. Reds from 2018 will age well due to their intense concentration and power.

Harvest was carried out at night. Once destemmed the fruit was pumped over 2 or 3 times daily depending on colour, tannin and flavour extraction. The must was pressed after 6-8 days, malolactic fermentation was carried out in tank prior to French oak maturation for 10 to 12 months depending on the parcel. Post blending minimal fining and filtration were used.

The Sandpiper range is named after the migratory bird which visits the Thorn-Clarke vineyards annually from the northern hemisphere - something of a reminder of the tenacity and commitment which is required for long term viticulture.