NOTES

Balnaves of Coonawarra have just been named James Hallidays' Winery of the Year in his just released 2008 Wine Companion. This follows on from Jeremy Oliver's Wine of the Year in 2006 and Pete Bissell's Qantas Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year in 2005. A testament to the extraordinary work that goes into making the wines which consistently receive praise from all corners of the wine world.

TASTING NOTES

This year The Blend comprises Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (16.5%). It was matured in new (15%) and second fill (6%) and third fill (79%) French oak for 18 months, prior to fining and bottling in February 2007. Deep rich red in colour, the nose shows ripe blackberry fruit, with hints of mint and eucalypt. The palate is rich and full bodied typical of 2005, with the Merlot component fleshing out the mid palate. The Blend is ready to drink on release and will benefit from careful cellaring. Decant before drinking.

OTHER NOTES

Vibrant colour; has great concentration, and ample levels of fruit and complexity; bright fine and focused, and very good value for money - 93 Points, James Halliday, The Australian Wine Companion 2009

A balanced, modern and stylish red with an unusually prevelent presence of mint and eucalypt characters for the Coonawarra region. Scented with violets, cassis and cedar/vanilla oak, it's firm and powdery, with an excellent length of primary dark berry/dark cherry flavour supported by chalky tannin. It finished with lingering dark fruits and a suggestion of menthol. - 90 Points, Jeremy Oliver - The Australian Wine Annual 2008

Aromas of blackberry, raspberry jam, Dutch licorice, coffee, eucalypt and cedar. Its a bit gamey and briary too. I like it. On the palate medium to full bodied with blackberry, rasberry confit, coffee, eucalypt, herb and some gamey flavours. Firm slightly gritty tannins. Quite astringent and a little bitter but quite refreshing. Finishes with bitter herb and dark chocolate flavours. Nice wine that needs a little more time to come round. - 89 Points Gary Walsh - Winorama July 19 2007