Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Coonawarra region in South Australia is renowned for its ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, thanks in part to its famous terra rossa soil. This thin, iron-rich red soil sits atop a limestone base, offering excellent drainage and supporting concentrated, mineral-driven wines. Coonawarra’s proximity to the Southern Ocean moderates the climate, allowing for a long ripening season that encourages both flavor development and fresh acidity in the grapes. The combination of these factors results in structured, balanced wines with a strong sense of place.

The growing season in Coonawarra saw replenishing winter rains, followed by a warm, dry autumn that allowed the fruit to reach optimal phenolic ripeness with complex flavor profiles. Balnaves’ meticulous vineyard management extends across select blocks—Old Paulownia, Dead Morris, Walker, and Vortmann—each of which contributes to the wine’s depth and character. These specific sites offer subtle variations in soil composition and vine age, adding layers of complexity and ensuring that the wine captures the essence of Coonawarra’s terroir.

Winemaking

Balnaves’ Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, harvested at peak ripeness. The winemaking process begins with a 10-day fermentation, followed by an extended 16-day maceration on skins, which enhances the wine’s structure and develops its tannic profile. This approach captures the rich black fruit character of Cabernet while integrating fine tannins for a balanced and elegant mouthfeel.

The wine is then aged for 14 months in French oak barriques, with 44% new oak from premium, tight-grained barrels. This careful oak selection contributes a delicate layer of complexity without overshadowing the wine’s vibrant fruit profile. The final wine is lightly fined with egg whites for clarity and to polish its texture, resulting in a Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases richness, elegance, and excellent aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, vibrant purple with garnet reflections, signaling concentration and youth.
• Aroma: Aromas of cassis, blackberry, and blackcurrant layered with subtle notes of licorice, coffee, and hints of oak.
• Palate: Full-bodied and plush, with flavors of dark fruits, fine-grained tannins, and a long, balanced finish that reveals hints of dark chocolate and a touch of earthiness.

Did You Know?

The Balnaves family has been growing grapes in Coonawarra since 1975, with a particular focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, which now makes up 70% of their vineyard plantings. Balnaves has established a reputation for high-quality, terroir-driven wines that are true to the unique characteristics of the Coonawarra region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lamb Rack with Rosemary and Garlic: The wine’s tannins and dark fruit complement the richness and herbs of lamb.
• Beef Bourguignon: This classic dish’s depth matches the structure and complexity of the wine.
• Aged Gouda: The wine’s intensity and tannins pair well with the nutty flavors of aged Gouda.
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: The earthy mushroom flavors resonate with the wine’s depth and minerality.

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.