2018 Museum Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is made from the oldest planting of cabernet sauvignon on the property and was blended with a small amount of malbec (8%) to help create a seamless palate. The wine exhibits ripe blackcurrant fruit with earthy graphite mineral overtones, cradled by exceptionally fine tannins and integrated oak. The fragrant bouquet is lifted with cassis and violet aromas which lead into a silky palate interwoven with dusty tannins. A distinct mineral complexity is garnered from the rocky granitic soils of the Leeuwin Ridge.

2018 is being hailed as one of the best Margaret River vintages. The season benefited greatly from penetrating rains across the region in December. This produced excellent canopy growth in all varieties at Grace Farm. Coupled with excellent flowering and fruit set from October to November, it ensured fantastic fruit and healthy yields throughout the vineyard. The cool January to February summer period experienced in the region, enabled a steady ripening period without heat spikes. This weather produced an outstanding white vintage with gently ripening fruit and great natural acidity. When weather doesn’t take front of stage, as was the case in 2017, it allows one to pick with precise timing to optimise flavour, acidity and skin tannins.

The cabernet sauvignon and malbec were harvested at optimum ripeness on 16 March and immediately crushed to a static fermenter and inoculated.