2018 Icon 'Lionel Samson' Cabernet Sauvignon

Appearance: Deep ruby red.

Aroma: Brambled fruits initially that evolve to reveal cassis, mulberry, bay leaf, olive tapenade, tobacco, touch of savoury old-world character, salami, potpourri - rose and dried petal.

Palate: Incredibly precise and well composed phenolics, even and fine. Gravel, graphite, mulberry, cassis, olive, bay, earthy spice. Complexity, nuance, definition, grace and poise.

Fruit was harvested, destemmed and crushed directly to small open top fermenters before innoculation with a cultured yeast strain. Fermentation was managed with regular plunging and occasional aerative pumpovers. At the completion of ferment, the best parcels underwent extended maceration for up to 4 weeks before being gently pressed to barrel. Maturation in oak for a total of 18 months, individual barrels racked and returned three times during maturation, before blending, filtration and bottling.

- Mike Garland, Chief Winemaker

A sublime vintage, conducive with all Great Southern varietals in expressing its own distinct regionality. Cool winter conditions followed by early spring rains ensured a saturated soil profile at the commencement of bud burst. Uniform vine growth resulted until November when the warm dry conditions produced perfect flowering conditions. Temperatures remained warm and moderate up until march. Unseasonal high pressure systems dominated the maritime climate throughout March and April. This resulted in mild daily temperatures and cold nights. With no sign of rain fruit was left to hang, developing flavour intensity. The fruit was thus picked at the winemaker’s whim.

Vintage: 2018

Varietal(s): Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)

Vineyard: Wyjup vineyard - first planted 1971.

Technical Analysis: Alcohol 14.0% | pH 3.57 | TA 6.50 g/L

Food pairing: Braised goat or slow cooked beef blade - this is a big wine that can handle full flavoured, gelatinous and rich dishes.

Built to age with excellent cellaring potential, up to 30 years.