Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon 1998

The 1998 growing season began with eager Spring growth precipitated by the drenching Winter rains that had dampened the spirits of even the most dedicated viticulturists. As the hot days of late Summer pressed into Autumn the first evidence of color and sweetness in the berries heralded the arrival of the silvereyes - gourmand fruit eating birds with attitude! With protective nets battened down, this non annual onslaught was conscientiously repelled. An unexpected ally in the crusade was an over zealous Kite (the feathered variety) which after shredding 100 meters of net, snagged his talons only to remain trapped amidst the din of gawping silvereyes until human kind intervened - he was rescued. While the birds remained unyielding, the potent threat of cyclonic rain became a reality with two substantial downpours on the eve of the white harvest. Fortunately the lurking threat of insidious grey mould did not eventuate thanks to fine April weather. Such halcyon Autumn days and the consequent long ripening period have produced wines of great richness in fruit flavor. The Suckfizzle Cabernet Sauvignon is a quintessential example of Margaret River's greatest natural asset, Cabernet Sauvignon, from the region's most southern and maritime extremity. After two years in fine grained Bordeaux oak, the palate unveils infinite layers of briary, yet sumptuous red and dark berry fruits and fine chalk lime fruit tannins. A perfumed whisper of freshly rubbed herbs mixed with the cedar and mocha of new oak typifies the Suckfizzle style. The malolactic is encouraged in barrel to add texture to the palate. Before bottling, the wine is fined with fresh egg white to define the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit more precisely. Over the next decade, the bold core of youthful fruit and unabashed tannin will condense as the wine develops into an ambrosial mix of chocolate and mint, warmed red fruits, leather, earth and spice. Serve with a big meaty dish.