Bleeding Heart Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Fruit is chilled before de-stemming and a cold soak for three days. Each parcel is fermented separately with the McLaren Vale Shiraz fermented in small open two tonne vessels before maturation in two to four-year-old oak barrels for six months. The Big Rivers component is fermented and matured in stainless steel before blending. 2018 was blessed by almost perfect vintage conditions. The season started at a cracking pace with a warm, dry spring and early summer that reduced yields and required careful attention to soil moisture levels. Crucially there were virtually no heat spikes, and Autumn arrived early with refreshing showers. Late ripening conditions were beautifully cool, allowing for long slow development and perfect balance.