Winemaker Notes
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Scattered among the yellow hills, orchards and olive groves of the Hilltops region are some of Australia’s most friendly, down-to-earth wineries. While it’s a bit warmer than its northeastern neighbor, Orange, the cool summer nights and dry fall season in Hilltops allow relatively late harvest dates and thus the production of a wide range of wines. Hilltops produces powerful reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz as well as charming Chardonnay and food-friendly Semillon.