100% Cabernet from the Mount Lofty Ranges.
In 2006 we were delighted to receive a visit from Justin Nugent from Bird in the Hand vineyard. Their vineyards are nestled in the rolling green pastures of the Adelaide Hills in Australia, less than an hours drive from the city. The name comes from a disused goldmine just below the vineyard but the only gold coming out of these parts now is the vast array of medals that they are getting for their wines.
In 2007 Merlot of the Year, Shiraz of the Year and Wine of the Year (for their Shiraz) by Winestate Magazine.
While Justin was with us, we had an opportunity to try the whole range of wines and we were very impressed indeed. Success has been no coincidence, it is clear that they have set out from the very beginning to do everything as well as it is possible – some of the attention to detail is bordering on obsessive (cutting trenches through the concrete floors in the winery so that the barrels maintain contact with ‘the breathing earth” !), but results speak for themselves. While he was with us, Justin let us taste the wonderful olive oil and olives that they grow at the property and they were truly delicious – needless to say they have won loads of awards, are rated as some of the best in the country and are featured in Judy Ridgeway’s book on the best olive oils from around the world!!
These wines are in very short supply and very little makes it to the UK market. As you can imagine, these awards have meant that they are in more demand than ever.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in French oak and has great power and no lack of elegance. There are concentrated varietal flavours of blackcurrant, cassis and cedar. The wine has a charming long finish. Delicious already, the wine will cellar well for 5-6 years.