Blend: 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, 1/3 Merlot, 1/3 Cabernet Franc
The 2022 BSB – The Sebastian (Bordeaux Style Blend), named after our son, is a truly elegant, full-bodied, cool-climate wine. It pours an opaque, deep ruby with a vibrant purple edge. It delivers explosive aromatics of blackcurrant and black plum, immediately followed by the defining herbaceous lift of dried bell pepper, and graphite. This is a tightly wound wine on the palate, showcasing firm, structured tannins that grip the mouth. The core is dark and savory, featuring layers of cassis, black cherry, and fresh tobacco leaf. Its assertive acidity perfectly balances the fruit intensity, signaling excellent longevity. A powerful and complex wine, decanting is recommended now, but optimal enjoyment will likely be from 2027 onwards.
WINEMAKING
Blend: 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, 1/3 Merlot, 1/3 Cabernet Franc
This wine, named The Sebastian after our son and representing our first Bordeaux style blend, was produced from fruit picked on 30 March 2022. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc were co-fermented in open-top fermenters, inoculated with different yeast strains including wild yeast for complexity. After 20 days on skins, the co-ferment was pressed off directly into a French oak barrique. The Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented and aged separately before being blended in prior to bottling. The final wine was bottled via gravity on 18th July 2023.
Melba Block
Situated at 150m above sea level, planted in the early 1980s. Similar to the Homeblock, the Melba block vines are all cared for by hand, 100% cane pruned to ensure best quality fruit is grown and hand harvested.
Alcohol
13.4%
Additional Notes
Production: 36.5 dozen
Oak Regime: Aged in a French Oak Barrique
Alcohol: 13.4%
pH: 3.58 // TA: 6.4 g/l
GLU/FRU: < 0.05 g/l
Malic Acid: < 0.05 g/l (Malo Dry)
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Processing: Co-fermented Merlot and Cabernet Franc, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon
Situated at 230m above sea level was planted in the late 1970’s on an undulating slope on friable grey loam soils. Completely non irrigated and hand nurtured, surrounded by National Park. The vines are cared for by hand and the grapes carefully hand picked at the perfect harvest time. This 6+ acres comprises of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
Steels Gate Melba Block Vineyard
Situated at 150m above sea level was planted in the early 1980s. Similar to the Homeblock, the Melba vines are all cared for by hand, 100% cane pruned to ensure best quality fruit is grown and hand harvested.
Nagambie Vineyard
Nagambie Vineyard is a partnership with a family estate located in the picturesque Nagambie region. Still cool climate, this region produces lovely medium bodies reds and some lovely Rieslings and other similar white varieties.
