Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Region and Vineyards

This wine is crafted from the Dead Morris vineyard in the Coonawarra region, renowned for its terra rossa soils and cool climate, ideal for cultivating rich and refined Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2018 vintage was marked by warm and dry conditions, allowing for full phenolic ripeness and robust tannin development, which contributed to the wine’s intense structure and depth. Balnaves' terroir-driven approach leverages the limestone base and rich red soils that enhance the concentration and minerality of the wine, providing a balanced acidity and aging potential.

Winemaking

Balnaves The Tally 2018 is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. The grapes are hand-harvested, followed by a 10-day fermentation and 16 days of extended maceration on skins, adding tannin structure and depth. The wine was matured for 15 months in fine-grained Taransaud Château barriques, with 40% new French oak to preserve elegance and integrate tannins. The result is a powerful yet refined wine with a lengthy finish, showing well-balanced oak influence.

With an alcohol content of 14.5%, a total acidity of 6.60 g/L, and a pH of 3.40, this Cabernet delivers structured acidity and depth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, vivid red with garnet hues, reflecting intensity and aging potential.
• Aroma: Aromas of red and black fruits, with notes of spice, forest floor, and hints of dark chocolate and hazelnut.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, showcasing layers of black fruit, fine tannins, and a structured finish with hints of coffee and earthy complexity.

Did You Know?

The name “The Tally” honors founder Doug Balnaves’ shearing background, where each “tally” of sheep shorn was a mark of skill. For the Balnaves family, this wine symbolizes the pinnacle of their craft, reflecting the labor and excellence they bring to their winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Ribeye with Rosemary: The wine’s bold tannins and black fruit notes complement the richness of ribeye, while its spice resonates with rosemary.
• Roasted Duck with Plum Sauce: The acidity and dark fruit flavors of the wine enhance the savory, sweet profile of roasted duck and plum.
• Aged Cheddar: The nutty, mature flavors of aged cheddar pair harmoniously with the wine’s complex structure.
• Mushroom and Thyme Risotto: The earthy notes and structured acidity in the wine balance the creamy risotto, enhancing the thyme’s herbaceousness.

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.