The Hills Cabernet Sauvignon
We have three Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards of approximately 0.75 hectare each. The vineyards are established on deep, well drained weathered granite soils and are generally located on north-east facing slopes. The vineyards are trellised and the canopy managed throughout the season to ensure optimum phenolic ripeness of the grapes. Supplementary drip irrigation is applied. The crop is reduced to between 6 and 8 tons per hectare by suckering soon after bud burst. This contributes to high quality fruit. Grapes are picked by hand.
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 100%
Winemaking: Fermented with selected yeasts in semi-open fermentation vats. Made in a classic, low intervention manner without extended maceration. Matured for 24 months in new, second and third fill French Oak barrels, racked at intervals as necessary. Lightly polished ahead of bottling.
Tasting Notes:
Colour: Deep red with bright purple rim.
Aroma: Immediate blackcurrant and chocolate aromas on the nose. Hints of cedar and cigar box from the French Oak back these up.
Palate: The blackcurrant flavours with cassis and plum notes contribute to a fruit driven palate within a structure of smooth, muscular tannins that continue to soften.
Good to drink when released but will continue to improve over the next 6 – 8 years.
Currently available:
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Awards:
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – WineStyle People’s Choice – Silver Award
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – WineStyle People’s Choice – Silver Award
Platter’s Ratings:
Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 – 3 stars
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – 3 stars
Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 – 3½ stars
Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – 3 stars
Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 – 3 stars
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 – 3½ stars
The Hills Wine 