St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 1.5L Magnum

There have been few better years in which to select fruit from these two renowned South Australian regions. The Barossa, in particular, celebrated an exceptional vintage in 2012. Indeed, many judges consider it among the best in the region’s decorated history. Yields were slightly down, but fruit quality was exhilaratingly good, particularly for the region’s flagship Shiraz. The Coonawarra also hailed 2012 as a year of exceptional quality, with Cabernet Sauvignon ripening with high colour, concentration and pristine varietal flavours. A feature in both regions were the good winter rains, which set up optimal soil moisture for the growing season, and warm days and cool nights throughout summer and autumn, which ensured good fruit set and even, full ripening.

A sound understanding of the unique terroir and qualities of each vineyard, combined with meticulous vineyard visits during the latter stages of ripening allowed the winemaker to identify several outstanding blocks of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. All were low yielding vines and each displayed the intensity and luscious fruit flavours that typify the best of these varieties. Each block was harvested and delivered separately to the winery, where they were crushed into small static fermenters to preserve the characters and personality of each parcel.

Ferments were allowed to warm to peaks of around 28°C before dropping back to a more moderate 18- 22°C. After 12-15 days fermenting on skins, each parcel was pressed, the free run and pressings combined, and the wine filled to a selection of oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation for 20 months. The oak consisted of predominantly new French hogsheads, with a small percentage of new American and older French oak barrels for balance. The final composition of the blend was determined by tasting each barrel and identifying those of the highest quality for this wine. The winemaker then selected the preferred barrels to achieve the desired style, with the final composition being approximately a 3:1 ratio of Shiraz to Cabernet Sauvignon.

The palate is full and complex, with an elegant structure that highlights the synergy possible when these two varieties are blended by a skillful hand. Powerful yet vibrant, the flavours are of ripe, rich dark fruits and toasty cedar oak, enhanced by silky and supple tannins.