Merryvale Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 4% Syrah, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Picking took place in the early morning to keep the fruit as cool as possible. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes for this wine were de-stemmed, but not crushed, leaving over 90% whole berries. The berries and juice were cold soaked and fermented using mainly native yeasts, then aged for 18 months in French Oak. Similar to a left bank Bordeaux, we like to blend in Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for additional "roundness" on the palate and complexity through the finish.

Our 2005 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon displays aromatic notes of cassis, lifted black current, vanilla and exotic spices. The mouthfeel is round and focused with a long finish. The wine will improve with short term cellaring.