Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Coonawarra region in South Australia is distinguished by its iconic terra rossa soils, layered over limestone, which provide excellent drainage and ideal conditions for bold, structured wines. The climate here is cool, allowing for a long growing season that preserves acidity and enables grapes to reach optimal ripeness. Balnaves’ vineyards, established in 1975 at the southern end of the terra rossa strip, span 58 hectares, with 70% dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon. In the 2020 vintage, cool spring weather and some early frosts led to a late start, while warm days around Christmas advanced ripening, resulting in wines with vibrant intensity and well-developed tannins.

The vines used in this blend, aged between 12 and 22 years, benefit from precise management, with each hectare-sized block tailored for specific needs based on soil and microclimate. This careful block management, along with limited irrigation, allows Balnaves to capture the essence of Coonawarra’s terroir and produce wines with depth and clarity.

Winemaking

The grapes for Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 2020 were destemmed and sorted before fermentation, ensuring only the highest-quality fruit was used. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in 46% new French oak barrels, adding subtle vanilla and spice complexity without overwhelming the fruit. This precise oak selection complements the wine’s natural tannic structure and depth, creating a wine that is both balanced and powerful.

The wine’s alcohol content is 14.5%, with a pH of 3.46 and acidity of 5.9 g/L, providing a solid foundation for both early enjoyment and extended aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple hints, indicating concentration and youth.
• Aroma: Aromas of dark fruit, blackcurrant, and subtle seaweed notes, with hints of vanilla from the oak aging.
• Palate: Rich with blackcurrant and dark berry flavors, complemented by firm but supple tannins and a long, balanced finish.

Did You Know?

Balnaves, a family-run vineyard since 1975, not only produces its own wines but also manages an additional 300 hectares in the heart of Coonawarra. Their expertise in block management allows them to produce premium wines that fully express the unique terroir of each parcel within the region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Steak with Peppercorn Sauce: The wine’s dark fruit and firm tannins complement the richness of the steak, while its structure balances the peppery sauce.
• Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds: The tannins and fruit of the wine highlight the savory-sweet elements of lamb and dried fruits.
• Mature Cheddar Cheese: The bold flavors and structure of the wine pair harmoniously with the sharpness of aged cheddar.
• Vegetarian Mushroom and Lentil Stew: Earthy flavors resonate with the wine’s complexity and dark fruit profile.

History of Balnaves Estate

Founded in 1975 by Doug and Annette Balnaves, the estate grew from the family’s agricultural roots and dedication to cultivating premium wine. Doug Balnaves, originally a farmer, saw the potential for viticulture in Coonawarra’s unique terroir and focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style wines that reflect the family’s vision and commitment to quality. The family produced their first estate-labeled wines in 1990, setting a standard of excellence in the region. Today, Kirsty Balnaves, the founders' daughter, manages the estate, working alongside a skilled winemaking team led by Pete Bissell. The winemaking approach at Balnaves emphasizes minimal intervention, sustainability, and precision, capturing the essence of each vintage.

Balnaves has since grown into a highly respected winery, with its flagship wines like The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showcasing the estate’s skill in producing age-worthy, expressive wines. The Balnaves family is celebrated not only for their high standards in winemaking but also for their deep connection to the local community and commitment to sustainable practices.

Region and Vineyards

The Coonawarra region is widely known for its terra rossa soils—a unique iron-rich red soil over limestone that offers excellent drainage and imparts mineral complexity to the wines. The region benefits from a cool maritime climate, with cooling breezes from the Southern Ocean that allow for a longer growing season. This climate is ideal for slow, even ripening, which enhances both the concentration of flavors and natural acidity in the wines. The combination of these factors makes Coonawarra one of Australia’s premier regions for producing elegant, structured wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Balnaves’ estate vineyards span 58 hectares on the prized terra rossa strip. The majority of plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon, carefully managed in individual blocks that reflect subtle variations in soil depth, vine age, and exposure. This precise management allows each block to express its unique character, resulting in wines with depth, balance, and a true sense of place. The Balnaves family’s focus on block-by-block vineyard management, along with sustainable practices, enables the estate to produce wines that are not only expressive but also representative of Coonawarra’s distinguished terroir.

Wine Range

Balnaves produces an exceptional range of wines, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that emphasize Coonawarra’s terroir:

• The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: The flagship wine, crafted with depth and structure, showcasing the aging potential of Coonawarra Cabernet.
• Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot: A balanced blend, expressing elegance and harmony between the two varieties.
• Chardonnay and Shiraz: Cool-climate expressions highlighting finesse and complexity unique to Coonawarra.

Did You Know?

The name “The Tally” celebrates Doug Balnaves’ heritage in Merino wool shearing, where each “tally” marked a significant achievement. This symbolic name reflects Balnaves’ dedication to precision and excellence in winemaking.