Hay Shed Hill|Margaret River|Premium Wines

Vintage:	2008
Growing Region:	Margaret River 100%
Grape Varieties:	Cabernet Sauvignon 100%

The Hay Shed Hill Block Series of wines are made from small parcels of fruit from individual blocks on the vineyard that have been identified as producing the best grapes on the property, with hand crafted care in the winery these wines are a fine interpretation of an outstanding site.

The Block Series wines showcase the best from the Hay Shed Hill vineyard.

Block 2 on the Hay Shed Hill vineyard was planted in 1973 to the Houghton clone of Cabernet Sauvignon. These old dry grown vines have sunk deep roots into the gravelly loam soil profile providing the nutrient basis they need. Block 2 has a steep northern facing aspect maximizing the sunlight interception by the vines and thus providing ideal ripening conditions.

VINTAGE

While most of Eastern Australia experienced a very hot 2008 vintage producing super ripe grapes and high alcohol wines Western Australia in general and Margaret River in particular enjoyed a mild, even and relatively stress free 2008 vintage. Coming off one of the wetter winters for some time the ground was well hydrated for the start of spring.

The weather throughout spring and summer was excellent with generally mild temperatures and good sunshine – great grape growing conditions. Chardonnay while yielding very poorly showed excellent flavour and delicacy. Sauvignon Blanc showed lovely tropical aromatics with Semillon being typically grassy and fresh. The best performer of the vintage was undoubtedly Cabernet Sauvignon with the mild season allowing great colour and flavour development.

WINEMAKING

The grapes from Block 2 were de-stemmed into open topped vessels for fermentation on skins with traditional pump over cap management. At the completion of fermentation the wine was left on skins for a further 10 days to maximize the development of the mature tannin. Maturation in French oak barriques for 18 months added further complexity and structure without dominating the fruit. The wine was matured in bottle for six months prior to release.

NOTES

The 2008 Hay Shed Hill Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense blood red with a dark centre. The wine displays ripe berry aromas of great intensity with underlying dusty and earthy characters typical of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon. There is depth to the nose indicating there are reserves of complex aromas yet to develop and be exhibited in the wine. The palate is substantial – this is a big wine by Western Australian standards with intense and fully ripe, fleshy sweet fruit filling the mid palate with great palate extension driven by the ripe and mature tannin. The mouthfeel is robust but the tannins are smooth. . 

CELLARING

The 2008 Hay Shed Hill Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon is a strong wine with ripe tannin and strong fruit depth indicating it will benefit from careful cellaring. The expectation is that the wine would benefit from 10 years maturation.

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