2018 Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon

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).

1.655 tonne received from Block 3 on 05/03/2018. Crushed to VT2 at 13.2Bé. Twenty-one days on skins, including fourteen days of post fermentation maceration. Pressed straight to 25% new French oak, finishing both primary and secondary fermentation in barrel. Eighteen months in oak, bottled 26/09/2019 at 12.8% alc/vol.

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.