Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2016

Deep red in colour, the nose is rich with perfectly ripened dark blackberry, elderberry and cassis fruit.

The palate is medium bodied, but intense with coffee and vanilla characters adding to the dark fruit.

The finish is long and textured with fine, grainy grape tannins.

The Balnaves' family vineyard is situated at the southern end of the famous Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. Planted in 1975, the vineyard is now 58 hectares in size (70% planted with Cabernet Sauvignon) and has been in the family for three generations. Balnaves' position was recognized when James Halliday named them "Winery of the Year" in his 2008 Guide.

Doug, together with his son Pete and daughter Kirsty, run the Balnaves vineyard and manage another 300 hectares for other growers in the heart of Coonawarra. The quality of their fruit was always excellent, but they began their move to the top of the Coonawarra ladder in 1995 when they hired Pete Bissell (ex- Wynns) as their winemaker and started work on their own winery.

The vineyard is divided into small blocks of between one and two hectares which are managed separately according to the specific needs of each area. This gives Pete numerous blending components, which results in layered and complex wines.