2018 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Distinguished, structural, complex.

VINTAGE 2018 was a great vintage.  Good rains during last winter ensured a full soil moisture profile. Consistent weather until late Summer also helped the vines gain strength to settle for a  couple of hot spells just before ripening which was marked by ideal dry conditions.

VARIETY The Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the wine that consistently embodies and defines the Huntington style and philosophy. These Cabernets are supremely ageworthy, varietal and expressive of the terroir, displaying exceptional tannins and palate while offering extraordinarily good value.

VINEYARD / WINEMAKING 7.3 tonne from Block 9b picked 16/3/18 at 13.3Bé. 10 days on skins; blended with a parcel of Block 3. 25% new French oak for 17 months. Bottled 11/10/19 at 13.6 alc/vol.

IN GLASS Ink.

IN NOSE Rich red and black fruit, notes of capsicum and tomato leaf and a touch of dry spice.

IN MOUTH Plum and blackcurrant, dry herbaceous characters. Mid-weighted with lovely body and a firm structure, juicy acids balance out the chewy but fine grained tannins and lead into a lingering finish.

CELLAR until 2038+

ACCLAIM

94/100 "Dry and voluminous, cassis and blackcurrants feature early as you'd expect with a Cabernet. Some tomato bush and tomato sauce makes a move with some rich plum compote aromas. Those generous and robust Mudgee tannins go about their work - they are quite unique. Earthy, some mint and flecks of dark chocolate add detail along with dried thyme. Still showing some tension, the aging pedigree of these Huntington Estate wines cannot be denied. Above all, it's the balance of the wine that shines bright. Powdery tannins have the final say driving long. Great stuff!" QWINE 2022

93/100 "Deep ruby, just fading slightly at the rim. Blackberry pastille, fresh coffee and vanilla pod aromas. A big and powerful palate filled with ripe black and purple fruits and layers of mint, anise and cola spices. Good length with ample gravelly tannins to ensure length and dry the finish well. Many years ahead of it." THE REAL REVIEW 2024