Balnaves of Coonawarra The Blend 2009

Vintage 2009 produced wines with fine characters and elegant structures. Blended principally from Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Merlot (22%) and Cabernet Franc (6%). The blend spent 12 months in new (40%) and second fill French oak from St Martin, Taransaud and Sylvain cooperages before fining and bottling in Sept 2010 under screwcap.

The nose is fresh with dark fruits, a touch of vine leaf and mint and subtle milk chocolate oak characters. The palate is elegant and fine with fresh black fruits and a soft finish.

5 Red Star Winery from James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2011 ... "The wines are invariably excellent, often outstanding, notable for their supple mouthfeel, varietal integrity, balance and length; the tannins are always fine and ripe, the oak subtle and perfectly integrated. Coonawarra at its best" RRP$24

Balnaves are a small family owned wine company in the heart of the famous Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. First started in 1976, the vineyard has grown steadily and now covers a total of 56 hectares of Coonawarra Terra Rossa soil - the principal variety planted is Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for 70% with the remainder taken up by Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. The vineyard is divided into small blocks of between one and two hectares, which take into account depth of soil, trellis design, vine clone and row direction. The quality of wine produced from these small blocks is evaluated each year and recorded. This practice proves the validity of the French concept of "terrior" or the effect that microclimate; geological features and other factors have on the quality of the wine produced. Such effects are clearly seen in the small Balnaves vineyard at Coonawarra.

Price: $18.99