2022 Tribute "Lord Sam" Cabernet Sauvignon

THE WINE

Intrigue is where this wine starts.  Showing subtlety and elegance with underlying power.  Tightness of red berries and dark currents merge with a sweetness of violet fruits. Savoury elements of dark chocolate, freshly dried tobacco and toast from oak, support the medium bodied palate in its intensity and persistence.  A fine-grained tannin underlies, carrying the palate length.  Restrained and rewarding, a wine that will impress with cellaring patience.

THE VINTAGE

The rainfall through the 2021 winter and spring set-up ideal soil moisture levels for vintage 2022. After a cool and wet early spring, conditions warmed and dried as summer progressed. January was sunny and occasionally hot. Both February and March were very favourable and ultimately a near perfect season culminated in ripe grapes ideally suited for premium Yarra Valley wines.  

VITICULTURE + WINEMAKING

A selection of our F block WA Cape and 412 clones from on the hill (73%), and block E – SA125 clone on the flats (27%).  Each batch is made individually using small open pot fermenters.  The fruit is the hero of this wine.  Winemaking is custodial, to preserve the vineyard creation.  An extended maceration upon sugar dryness, was the ‘hands-off’ critical element for the making of this wine.  Pressed on tasting approval, then shortly after racked to new and seasoned small French oak.  Matured in a 10-degree Celsius cellar for 14 months has ensured a freshness and slow oak maturation of this exceptional wine. 

FOOD MATCH

Low and slow smoked, point cut brisket.  Side of skin on roasted potatoes. 

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Varietal composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 13.5%

TA: 5.6

pH: 3.54

Cellaring: Rewarding with 5 years +