Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Region and Vineyards

Coonawarra, in South Australia, is celebrated for its distinctive terra rossa soils over limestone, a narrow strip of land that produces some of Australia's most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon. The region benefits from a cool maritime climate influenced by the Southern Ocean, bringing long ripening periods that ensure grapes develop intense aromatics and fine tannin structures.

The fruit for The Tally comes primarily from the Dead Morris vineyard, planted on classic terra rossa soil. This site consistently yields grapes of exceptional concentration and balance. Coonawarra's well-drained soils and moderate climate allow Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive, producing wines that marry power with elegance, marked by cassis, mint, and earthy complexity.

Winemaking

The 2018 vintage was warm and relatively early, with dry conditions ensuring fully matured tannins. Grapes were hand-picked from the Dead Morris vineyard (92% Cabernet Sauvignon) and co-fermented with 8% Petit Verdot from Dunstan. After a 10-day fermentation, the wine underwent an extended maceration of 16 days, extracting depth of flavor and tannin finesse.

The wine was then matured for 15 months in very fine-grain Taransaud Château barriques, with 40% new oak. This élevage imparted subtle spice, coffee, and dark chocolate notes while preserving the purity of fruit. The careful integration of oak and long maceration lends The Tally 2018 both longevity and layered complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, vibrant red with a youthful purple rim.
• Aroma: Lifted red and black fruits with cassis, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with spice, forest floor, and leafy complexity. Subtle hints of coffee, dark chocolate, mint, and hazelnut emerge with aeration.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with concentrated black fruits, fine-grained tannins, and gravelly texture. Elegant yet powerful, with freshness and balance leading to a long, supple finish.

Did you know?

The name "The Tally" pays homage to Doug Balnaves' past as a Merino sheep shearer. In shearing, the tally book recorded the number of sheep shorn in a set time, a measure of skill and endurance. For the Balnaves family, this wine represents their own ultimate achievement — a benchmark of dedication and craft.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled ribeye steak: The wine's firm tannins and dark fruit intensity perfectly match the richness and char of beef.
• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic: Herbal notes in the wine echo the dish's aromatics, while the supple finish complements the meat's texture.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze: The vibrant acidity and red fruit undertones balance the sweetness of the glaze and the richness of duck.
• Aged cheddar or pecorino: The firm tannic backbone and complex flavors integrate beautifully with robust cheeses.

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.