| Vintage
The 2005 vintage was marked by dry, mild conditions throughout the southwest of Western Australia (WA). These conditions lead to disease-free grapes with ripe fruit flavours and good acidity levels producing wines of generosity and balance.
Label Integrity
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot (Margaret River)
Winemaking
Both the Cabernet and Merlot were fermented in small static fermenters separately. Immediately post-ferment the fruit was pressed with the pressings going back in with the free-run wine. The wines then underwent MLF in tank before racking and transfer to second use French oak barriques. These wines then spent twelve months in barrel prior to blending, clarification and bottling in late August 2006.
Tasting Notes
This is one wine of a new range of Margaret River wines introduced by Sandalford in 2006. In relative terms the Protégé wines are positioned between the Sandalford Premium (Margaret River) range and the entry-level Element (WA) range. The range includes a Premium Classic White (multi-varietal), Chardonnay (Unwooded), Rose (Cabernet Sauvignon), Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Blend).
Distinct dark cherry red in colour with a cerise hue. This a very perfumed wine on the nose just brimming with sweet violet scents, mulberry and some vanillin oak notes. A seamless wine on the palate with silky tannins and bags of ripe cassis flavours intermingled with French oak cedar nuances. Although soft and approachable now this wine will reward cellaring for several years to come.
“Amazing wine with a stunning lifted fruit bomb nose – all cherries, anise, mint and violets with a nice licorice edge. Serious weight of fruit on the palate, nicely matched by the oak. Will open up slowly over the next five years ***** ”
Winestate Magazine, March/April 2007
Assessment
Awaiting Review
Awards
Winestate Magazine, 5 stars, Top in Category, March / April 2007 issue
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