2018 Oakdene Bernard's Cabernets

Appearance

Mid ruby in colour

Bouquet
Complex aromas of aromas of blood plum, lilac florals, red currant, rose water and cedar oak.

Palate
Mid-weighted palate, dominated by juicy red and black fruit notes, and a refreshing tobacco leaf edge. Balanced by a firm but fine tannin backbone, fresh acidity, and elegant, classic, bright red fruit characters.

Fermentation
Hand harvested fruit was destemmed, crushed then soaked for 5 days prior to fermentation using wild yeast in small open vats peaking at 28 degrees C with 7 days maceration on skins post ferment. Pressed to barrel for malolactic fermentation, and matured in French oak barriques (30% new) for 16 months, and bottled in August 2019.

Conclusion
Drink now or cellar for 5 to 12 years.

Blend & Clones
63% Merlot Q45-14, 8R
23% Cabernet Franc 1334
14% Cabernet Sauvignon CW44

RATINGS & REVIEWS

92+ Points, Campbell Mattinson,  The Wine Front - 'Single vineyard blend of merlot (63%), cabernet franc (23%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) from the Bellarine Peninsula side of the Geelong region.  A firm, well polished red offering curranty fruit with inlays of violet, dust, dried herb, Pez and boysenberry. Convincing from start to finish. Tannin is fine and impeccably well integrated. Good buying/drinking'.

89 Points, Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Real Review - 'Medium-depth purplish tinge. Somewhat reminiscent of the Bordeaux hinterland, this has a nose of medium intensity, and attractive soft aromas of mulberry, plum and raspberry. It's clean, fresh and very merlot influenced. On the light side of medium-bodied, squishy soft fruitiness is framed in tangy acidity and slightly angular tannins. Not a wine of great concentration, but friendly, no fuss drinking, and quite stylish'.