Balnaves The Blend

Balnaves

The Blend 2017

Coonawarra

Australie - Australie méridionale

Balnaves is a small family winery located in the heart of the famous Coonawarra terra rossa in the Limestone Coast of South Australia. In 1971, after 18 years as a farmer and part-time sheep shearer, Doug Balnaves was employed by Hungerford Hill Vineyards to develop 100 hectares of vineyards on the Coonawarra property they had purchased from the Balnaves family in 1970. Doug (with the help of Bill Redman) first produced wine in an old cement vat in 1974. In 1986, Doug Balnaves resigned as winemaker of Hungerford Hill to further develop the Balnaves vineyard.
The first vines, comprising 2.5 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.5 hectares of Syrah, were planted on the rich terra rossa soils opposite the Riddoch Highway. The family felt that in order to produce a wine of consistent quality, total control from vineyard to winemaking would be desirable and in 1995 the decision was made to build the Balnaves winery. The first Balnaves wines to be made in the new winery were produced by Pete Bissell in 1996. After two years working with Pete Bissell, Jacinta Jenkins took over after Pete's retirement in July 2020.
The vineyard is divided into small plots of 1 to 2 hectares, which take into account the depth of the soil, the clone of the vine and the direction of the rows. The quality of the wine produced from these small units is assessed annually and recorded. In the vineyard, they have implemented precision viticulture with soil analysis and frost management with modern tools.

             

Grape varieties:

68% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.
Aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 12 months.

Tasting notes:

The colour is deep red. The nose has round, sweet aromas of plum and blackberry with a spicy vanilla note, a sweet package but the real strength is in the concentrated, deliciously fresh and lifted aromas. There are violets and rose petals with hints of spice and a little of that typical Coonawarra (terra rossa) bay leaf. On the palate, this wine is medium-bodied with dense black fruits and a spicy finish with firm tannins.

Wine style :

Fine and racy red wine.

Food and wine pairing:

Black Angus T-bone smoked with vine shoots and cranberry chutney. Lamb mice with thyme and candied fruit.

Ageing potential in your cellar :

8 years

Analysis :

75 cl - 13,5 % volume

Contains sulphites

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.

"The consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences on the health of the child.