Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Australia)

Description

Blackberry, Oak, Spice

Bright red with gentle garnet hues at the edge. Classic Cabernet varietals leap from the glass with lifted blackcurrant, subtle leafiness and spiced blackberry. The palate has a juicy vibrancy with plush black fruits, gentle winter spice and a refined cassis core. Silky tannins and supporting oak lead to a long and complex finish.

The Sandpiper range is named after the migratory bird which visits the Thorn-Clarke vineyards annually from the northern hemisphere - something of a reminder of the tenacity and commitment which is required for long term viticulture.

Much like the previous vintage, the 2020 harvest has produced wines of immense quality but with very low quantities. Another dry winter and mild weather during the ripening period led to great varietal flavours and excellent tannin structure. Upon harvest the bunches were few and far between and the berries themselves small. This led to fruit with intense flavour and colour along with great power and balance.

Harvest was carried out overnight when the temperatures are at their coolest to assist in retaining fruit purity. They were then destemmed in preparation for fermentation. Fermentation was carried out in our potter fermenters with temperature held between 22-24 degrees. Pump overs occurred twice daily for 7 days before being pressed off. Complete malolactic fermentation was completed before maturation. The wine spent 18 months in a combination of stainless steel tanks and 10 year old hogshead barrels before bottling.