Down The Rabbit Hole 2021 Sangiovese Cabernet

McLAREN VALE
WINEMAKER: WALTER CLAPPIS

In this bottle awaits a wonderful experience. Sangiovese brings lifted dark cherries, spice and powdery tannins, while the Cabernet adds succulent berry notes and provides a smooth finish. Matured in seasoned French oak, they come together in perfect harmony to create a rich and savoury wine that’s about to blow your mind.

Vintage Notes
McLaren Vale experienced a slightly dryer than average winter and spring in 2019. A mild spring set the vines up well. Early Summer was hot and dry, while significant rain in late January - early February relieved the strain on the vines. The mild weather during the final ripening period provided ideal conditions for full flavour development, while retaining natural acidity. The vines were well balanced with great colour and flavour.

Winemaking Notes
Our Sangiovese Cabernet is a blend of two parcels from two small vineyards in the Willunga foothills area of McLaren Vale. The Sangiovese and Cabernet were harvested and matured as separate parcels. The fruit was destemmed and crushed gently, then pumped over twice daily. The Cabernet was kept on skins for 8 days, while the Sangiovese remained on skins for 34 days, allowing the tannins to integrate and soften, while still providing length and structure. We kept the ferments was cool to retain the bright primary fruit characters. Following ferment, the batches were pressed and transferred into seasoned French oak barrels to mature for 12 months. Final blending took place well before bottling to ensure full integration.

Winemaker Tasting Notes
Colour: Dark ruby red
Bouquet: Dark cherries, cranberries, loads of spice and red berries, plus a hint of freshly ground coffee
Palate: A juicy palate of dark cherries, tapenade and cinnamon balanced with a firm tannin structure, giving length and a richness of texture. 

Technical Notes

• Age Of Vines: Sangiovese 14 years, Cabernet 17 years
• Harvested: Sangiovese: 6/3/21, Cabernet: 8/3/21
• Varieties: Sangiovese 50%, Cabernet 50%
• Oak Treatment: 100% seasoned French oak for 12 months
• Region: McLaren Vale 100%
• Analysis: Alc: 14%, pH: 3.65, TA: 6.31g/L, GF: 0.17g/L
• Bottled: 15/9/22