2017 Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon

Blocks 3 & 9 Cabernet are the same clone, planted at the same time on the highest/leanest (Block 3) and lowest/richest (Block 9) soils. Flavours are similar, but the structure and weight of the wine is completely different. 9 brings mid-palate and richness, while 3 brings drive, length and elegance. The Special Reserve has always been a blend of the two blocks. but in 2005, Tim made a flagship wine only from Block 3. These wines have won great critical acclaim (including our highest ever score 98/100 - the 2012) and become a firm favourite in the portfolio. The 2017 is an excellent example of what Block 3 can do, and one of Tim's favourites to date. Block 3 is a really interesting barometer for a season - more than any other of our wines, it changes to express the vintage conditions. Colder years ('08, '11 & '12) are very different to warmer years ('16 & '17), and in very hot years the wine tends not to quite make the Grand Reserve grade ('07 & '14).

4T of fruit received from Block 3 on 13/3/17 at 13.6Bé. Cold soak for five days, and then five days on skins. Pressed at 3.5Bé and into oak (10% new, mix of French and American). Fifteen months in oak. Bottled 13/8/2018 at 13.9% alc/vol.