Region:              Margaret River

 Terroir:              This wine actually contains fruit from 6 separate sites of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc on the Clairault property. However; the majority (54%) is from our A block Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1976. This vineyard has a Nor-west facing slope with vine rows planted in a north south orientation. The soil is a deep gravel loam over calcified clay. The vines are 4-cane pruned on a lyre trellis.The other significant contributors to this blend are two blocks of Merlot, N and K, planted in 1997 and 2000 respectively. Both are on North facing sites with an east west row orientation and 2-cane pruned to a VSP trellis system. Both blocks border a creekline. The upper N block has free draining gavel loam soils over clay, while K block has poor draining, heavy soils that promotes moisture stress in the height of summer.

 Vintage:  The 2007 vintage was greatly influenced by a mild spring, producing an early budburst and flowering and robust growth. This had the effect of bringing our picking forward by close to 4 weeks and in turn resulting in ripening occurring in the warmer months of February and March instead of the usual March / April. Whilst February and March were warm there was a lack of really hot days that can damage flavour. The overall result was great fruit vibrancy and concentration, and ripe rounded tannins. It is widely accepted that the 2007 vintage is an exceptional year for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends from Margaret River

 Yields:  Average Yield 7.7 Tonnes/Hectare (3.1 tonnes/acre)

Vinification:  Half of the fruit was hand picked and half mechanically harvested. All the fruit was de-stemmed, then fermented in 4 tonne open fermenters, remaining on skins for 5 (Merlot) to 15 days (Cabernet Sauvignon). After pressing off skins the wine was transferred to 50% new French oak barriques for a maturation time of 24 months.

Colour:  Bright garnet red

Aroma:  A warm powerful aroma of ripe baked fruits; plums and prunes; spiced currants. Forest floor aroma add to the depth, as does hints of violets and vanilla.

Palate: The palate has silky tannins, vibrant flavours and a lovely easy length. Balanced and poised is an adequate summary.

 Cellaring:  2022

 Sugar Level at Picking: 13.2 – 14.5 Baume

Wine pH: 3.45

Wine Titratable Acidity: 6.8 g/L 

Residual Sugar:  0.22 g/L

Alcohol:  14.5 %

Bottled:  18 September, 2009

Released:  28th November 2011

Winemaker: Will Shields