2017 Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal, long and full. 

VARIETY Blocks 3 & 9 Cabernet are the same clone, planted at the same time on the highest/leanest (Block 3) and lowest/richest (Block 9) soils. Flavours are similar, but the structure and weight of the wine is completely different. 9 brings mid-palate and richness, while 3 brings drive, length and elegance. The Special Reserve has always been a blend of the two blocks. but in 2005, Tim made a flagship wine only from Block 3. These wines have won great critical acclaim (including our highest ever score 98/100 - the 2012) and become a firm favourite in the portfolio. The 2017 is an excellent example of what Block 3 can do, and one of Tim's favourites to date. Block 3 is a really interesting barometer for a season - more than any other of our wines, it changes to express the vintage conditions. Colder years ('08, '11 & '12) are very different to warmer years ('16 & '17), and in very hot years the wine tends not to quite make the Grand Reserve grade ('07 & '14). 

WINEMAKING 4T of fruit received from Block 3 on 13/3/17 at 13.6Bé. Cold soak for five days, and then five days on skins. Pressed at 3.5Bé and into oak (10% new, mix of French and American). Fifteen months in oak. Bottled 13/8/2018 at 13.9% alc/vol.

IN GLASS Dark ruby red.

IN NOSE Varietal. Blackcurrant, backed up by dried herb/mint and a hint of black tea. All primary.

IN MOUTH Full-bodied and generous. Grippy, beautiful fine tannins, very soft, great length and structure. Forward, ripe blackcurrant fruit. Very fresh and youthful – will continue to soften.

CELLAR until 2037+

ACCLAIM 

TOP RANK CABERNET SAUVIGNON #3 NSW THE REAL REVIEW 2024

95/100 "Opaque core into deep cherry-red rim. Blackberry, violet and clove on the nose. Medium to full bodied, there’s ample ripe purple and black fruits that are well matched to sweet spices and floral notes. Hints of mint lift towards the back and that adds a lifted freshness to the flow. Tannins are there, ensuring length and line and they sit in fine harmony to the fruit. A very long and lingering finish caps off this wine perfectly. A very impressive wine that will bring joy for many years to come." THE REAL REVIEW 2024