Balnaves The Tally Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

 "The Balnaves vineyard comprises twelve blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon vines of varying acreage and vine age, the oldest planted in 1975. Since the construction of Balnaves winery in 1996, these blocks are divided again into smaller parcels, following soil types and topography, with approximately forty Cabernet Sauvignon fermentations being conducted each vintage.The best of these ferments are set a side during vintage for our Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon and in outstanding years, Balnaves "The Tally" Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The Tally illustrates a trend in Coonawarra: a trend to strive beyond that which the region has produced before..."- Campbell Mattinson

"Hand-picked grapes from the Dead Morris Vineyard were given extended maceration post-ferment, then taken to the best French barrels money can buy (50% new) for 20 months maturation. The complexity of the bouquet is striking, with black fruits, spice, earth and cedar, and a complete wine in the mouth, at once supple yet firm thanks to exemplary texture and structure. The savoury finish and aftertaste is pure cabernet." - James Halliday (Halliday Wine Companion) 96 Points