2018 Terre a Terre Crayeres Reserve

A release of elegance and power in the same breadth. An exercise of exacting viticulture and winemaking technique showcases once again an emerging icon of Australian wine.

The blend was 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Shiraz and 11% Cabernet Franc with the wine aged in a high proportion of new oak for 9 months before another 9 months in large format, older oak foudre. The aromatics on the nose have floral blackberry and plum in terms of fruit, but there are layers of secondary interest in terms of graphite, understated cedar and unsweetened liquorice.

The wine has soaked up the influence of new oak, it provides a glossy, lightly spiced backdrop for black fruits, earth and graphite to show themselves. Tannins are supple and fine yet give texture and polish; the finish has wonderful persistence with drying blackberry and liquorice swept up with lingering dry spice.