Marquis Philips Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

The Marquis Philips Cabernet was barrel fermented in 100% new American oak and then matured in 20% new French, 60% Fine grain American and 20% medium grain American oaks for 12 months. The fine grain American oak has promoted the varietal definition of the Cabernet and at the same time added light cedar and cigar box characters distinctive to this variety. The French oak has promoted the fine grain structure, and the medium grain American oak integrated and lifted the natural fruit sweetness. The final blend for the wine was from Padthaway and Middleton SA using 12 different oak treatments. This Cabernet exhibits definitive varietal characters of berry fruits, black & white pepper, cedar and cigar box, with a layer of dark chocolate adding to the complexity. As this wine ages the fresh raspberry characters will mature into darker boysenberry and blackberry characters with layers of brandy laced chocolate fondue flavours.