Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Price:
$55.00
With careful bottle age, this Cabernet Sauvignon has developed exceptional complexity while retaining its cool-climate elegance. The deep ruby colour gives way to aromas of mature cassis, blackcurrant conserve and dried violets, layered with notes of dark chocolate, cedar and subtle tobacco leaf. Savoury nuances of mulberry, bay leaf and earthy spice add further intrigue. On the palate, the once-firm tannins have mellowed into a silky, refined structure, beautifully integrated with rich dark berry fruit and lingering spice. Graceful, balanced and persistent, it is a superb expression of aged Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dry Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Mount Barker, Western Australia
Technical Details
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Alcohol: 14.5% Alc/Vol
Review
91 Points – Huon Hooke
"The bouquet is tobacco leafy, forward, and more like Merlot than Cabernet. Earthy, mushroom, vanilla and chocolate notes all combine in an appealing way, if rather developed. The palate is fleshy and full-bodied, the tannins supple and smooth across the palate. A delicious wine, already drinking well."
Tasting Notes
Now entering its prime drinking window, this beautifully matured Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a deep garnet colour with aromas of cassis, blackcurrant and ripe plum layered with tobacco leaf, cedar, dark chocolate and subtle earthy notes. Hints of dried herbs and mulberry add complexity, while time in bottle has softened the once-firm structure into supple, polished tannins. The palate is generous and fleshy, balancing rich dark fruit with sweet spice and savoury nuances before finishing long, smooth and elegantly persistent. A classic cool-climate Cabernet that rewards patience with depth, harmony and sophistication.
Vineyard
Fruit was sourced from our now 49-year-old, 12-hectare dry-grown vineyard in Mount Barker, Western Australia. Our mature vines are unirrigated, producing naturally low yields of small berries with exceptional concentration of flavour, colour and tannin.
Planted on ancient gravelly loam soils in the cool-climate Great Southern region, the vineyard benefits from slow ripening conditions that encourage complexity and elegance. Cane-pruned and yielding approximately two tonnes per hectare, these old vines consistently produce fruit of remarkable intensity and character.
Vintage Conditions
The 2017 season commenced later than usual and was reminiscent of vintages from a decade earlier. Following several dry years, increased rainfall and cooler conditions led to slower ripening and lower Baume levels while preserving exceptional flavour intensity.
The result was a vintage producing expressive whites with vibrant aromatics and reds of softness, balance and refinement. It was a challenging but highly rewarding season, coinciding with Galafrey's 40th vintage.
Winemaking
Mechanically harvested and fermented with extended skin contact to maximise colour, flavour and structure, this Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted to express both varietal character and the unique terroir of Mount Barker. Matured for a minimum of two years in premium French oak, the wine has evolved gracefully, integrating oak, fruit and tannin into a harmonious whole while retaining the balance and longevity that define exceptional Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon.