Bec Hardy McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Region: McLaren Vale

Story: Cabernet Sauvignon is a hidden gem of the McLaren Vale wine region. 
Although not region people automatically think of when speaking about 
Cabernet Sauvignon, it often produces some of the highest rating Cabernets in 
the country.

Vineyard: This wine is a blend of two McLaren Vale vineyards, the 'Picnic 
Ground' Cabernet located on Kays Rd at Blewitt Springs and Osmond's 'Leslie' 
Cabernet next to the McLaren Flat Wetlands. 

Soils: The "Picnic Ground" vineyard is on Maslin Sands, aged between 34 and 56 
million years old. The 'Leslie' vineyard soils are deep alluvial clays from the 
Holocene era (11,700 years old). This area would have been a flood plain that was 
first planted by settlers so the soils retained water and the vines grew well, even 
before irrigation.

Harvest Dates: 30 March 2023 (Picnic Ground), 11 April 2023 (Leslie’s Block)

Winemaking: Crushed and destemmed. Static stainless steel fermenters with 
twice daily cap management. Yeast type: Uvaferm BDX. 9 days on skins. 100% 
Seasoned in French Oak Hogsheads (10% new oak)

Nose: Dark berry and cassis notes on nose with leathery oak notes.

Palate: Savoury varietal complexity on the palate with long elegant tannin 
structure.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2030

92 points - Wine Orbit, 2024
"Attractively fruited and immediately appealing, the wine shows blackcurrant, rich floral, thyme and toasted almond notes. The palate displays succulent fruit flavours with supple texture backed by layer of fine tannins, finishing flavoursome and elegantly structured. At its best: now to 2033."

93 points - Wine Showcase Magazine, 2024