2022 Compono Cabernet

Background

'To put together, or compose'. Although the Barossa is perhaps better known for Shiraz, John has a long history of working with Cabernet Sauvignon. The Barossa can have mixed results with Cabernet, particularly in the warmer challenging years, so we were determined to find the right sites that reflected Cabernet varietal character and still displayed elegance and structure.

Conditions

The 2022 vintage was set up beautifully with good soil moisture carrying over from the mild 2021 vintage. A significant October hail event reduced yields in some vineyards, but luckily most escaped without impacting quality. La Nina influenced weather patterns resulted in mild harvest conditions again, allowing for even flavour accumulation and vibrant aromatics and acidity. A standout season. Sourced from two Cabernet vineyards, one in Barossa Valley (64%) and the other in Eden Valley (36%). The Eden Valley vineyard is owned by the Angas family at their historic Hutton Vale Farm, located between the Henschke Hill of Grace and Mt Edelstone vineyards. The Barossa Valley vineyard is located in the Moppa district of the North west corner of Barossa Valley. It is at a relative high altitude for Barossa at 340m (1115ft) above sea level with red brown top soils over heavy red clays, scattered with ironstone and quartz.

Winemaking

Small batch fermentation in open top stainless steel fermenters. Twice daily plunging and/or pump overs with skin contact for 8 days.

Maturation

Maturation in French oak hogsheads (20% new) for 15 months. 250 cases made.

Grape Variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (64% Barossa Valley, 36% Eden Valley)

Closure

Screw Cap

Alcohol

14%