Balnaves Cabernet Merlot is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon from Avery and Vortmann vineyards (72%) with an unusually high Merlot component (28%) for this vintage from Rise and Avery Blocks.
The nose in complex, with a cooler vintage look fresh cassis with chocolate mint aromas and cedary French oak. The palate is medium bodied, dark elderberry fruit and textured tannin structure, more elegant than previous vintages.
Balnaves is a small family owned wine company in the heart of the famous Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. The initial vineyard plantings commenced in 1975 and have now increased to 47 hectares. Although predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon the vineyard also includes Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Winemaker is Pete Bissell was the 2005 Qantas ‘Winemaker of the Year’. Pete’s wines have seen Balnaves achieve many accolades – 2008 James Halliday’s Winery of the year, 2006 Jeremy Oliver wine of the year to name a few.
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