Jim Barry Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

On the southern boundary of Coonawarra is the old Penola cricket ground, which first saw a ball bowled in anger and the flashing cover drives of the local champions in 1950. Sadly, the ground closed in 1996. Soon after Jim Barry purchased the 30 acre property and planted a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. The original pavilion and pitch have been retained, thus preserving an important piece of Coonawarra sporting history. Fruit from this vineyard, along with selected parcels of fruit from our family owned Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the Clare Valley have been blended to produce a wine that is rich, soft and approachable.

This wine shows inky, deep red color, with a nose of black cherry, briary fruit and dark chocolate. The palate is medium to full bodied, with ripe, black cherry and cassis fruit, subtle integrated vanillin oak with mocha richness. The fine grained, talcy soft tannins support a lingering finish.

As with previous releases of The Cover Drive, the wine displays harmonious balance and can be enjoyed now or will reward cellaring for 2-3 years. Serve with hearty beef casserole or rack of lamb.