| Vintage
The 2005 Margaret River vintage can only be described as exceptional. Warm sunny days and crisp, cool nights made for ideal fruit ripening conditions. In addition to this the relatively dry growing season ensured a crop of disease-free fruit. Flavour and acidity levels are at their optimum in this vintage year.
Label Integrity
100% Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Margaret River)
Winemaking
After crushing and de-stemming the Cabernet fruit was inoculated with a selected yeast strain and fermented in small 10 tonne static fermenters. The traditional methods of rack and return and pumping over were employed during fermentation to optimise colour, flavour and tannin extraction from the fermenting must. Post-ferment the wine was left on skins (maceration) for three to four weeks prior to pressing. The pressings were mixed back with the free-run wine and then inoculated for MLF with selected bacteria. After the completion of MLF the wine was racked and transferred to all new French oak. On completion of 12 months barrel maturation the best 40 barriques were put aside for Prendiville with the balance going to Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. At the end of barrel maturation the Prendiville was blended, fined and given minimal filtration prior to bottling. Each bottle is individually numbered and comes in a lay-down prestige six-pack.
Harvest
The fruit for this wine was machine-harvested in March of 2005 during the cool of night.
Viticulture
The Sandalford Estate vineyard in Margaret River is the largest and oldest vineyard in this famed region having been originally planted in 1970. The vineyard is located in the northern sub-region of Margaret River known as Wilyabrup. This sub-region is some 4 degrees Celsius warmer on average than the southern parts of Margaret River. This ensures optimal ripeness and generosity in the wines produced. There are twelve Cabernet Sauvignon blocks on the Estate. Three of these blocks are utilised each year to make the Prendiville and in fact this wine is only made in great vintage years.
Tasting Notes
Colour:
Dark cherry with an unmistakable magenta hue.
Nose:
In what is atypical for Margaret River this wine has almost a floral nose reminiscent of perfumed violets. The hallmark Cabernet character of blackcurrant is certainly present as is the cedary and wet forest floor notes derived from both fruit and French oak.
Palate:
There is an immediate wash of sweet brambly fruit flavours in the mouth perfectly weighted with silk-like tannins and balancing acidity. The oak nuances are well balanced in respect of fruit and the finish is one of elegance and structure. Whilst a remarkable wine now, the Prendiville is certainly a wine which will benefit from careful cellar maturation for 15 years or more. A harmless deposit may form in the bottle during this time and decanting is recommended prior to serving.
Awards
- New Zealand International Wine Show 2007: Gold Medal
- Sydney International Wine Show 2008: Gold Medal
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