Tahbilk Reds are crafted with a commitment to traditional winemaking values.
Fermentation takes place in original open oak vats (over 155 years old), followed by maturation in similarly aged large French oak barrels prior to being bottled. Smaller French and American oak barrels are also used, with the wine from these blended back during the final filtering and bottling.
In the face of changing winemaking styles and trends, this has remained the way over the years, delivering wines of true provenance and reflective of each vintage.
Rated as a year producing 'terrific Reds', notes of mint and cassis, alongside black olive and herb notes, instantly identify this as a Tahbilk Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. A sturdily constructed palate of blackcurrant and dark plum fruits supported by firm but not intrusive tannins complete its identikit picture.
Offering delicious current enjoyment, but with proven cellaring potential which will see additional complexity develop out to 2032/2037.
Alister Purbrick | 4th Generation | Winemaker
Don't Take Our Word For It ...
"The 2020 vintage saw low yields but, on the upside, nicely concentrated fruit.
Reassuringly Tahbilk in style, from the pervasive earthiness and scent of the bush with just a hint of bay leaf, to the medium-bodied, ripe blackberry and spice-laden palate featuring discreet oak.
A touch of black pepper to close gets the tastebuds excited. Good finish."
Jeni Port | www.winecompanion.com.au | May 2023
VINTAGE 2020
There are few Australians who will forget the 2019/2020 summer as bushfires burnt across the Eastern seaboard after a dry winter and spring. Thankfully there were no fires in central Victoria, and although it was smoky at times in Nagambie Lakes, Tahbilk fruit was not affected by smoke taint.
The dry winter and spring had our vineyard staff diligently monitoring soil moisture and irrigating when necessary. January and February saw temperatures fluctuating from blazing hot 40 degrees plus days to very mild 20-degree days.
Initially the very hot days seemed to slow the ripening but, similar to recent vintages, we commenced picking in early February.
The unforgiving season continued through harvest, with tropical storms resulting in weekly rainfall that, whilst irritating to the Vineyard and Winery crews, was not enough to significantly impact yields or initiate disease.
All varieties came in with excellent colour and flavour and 2020 is noted as a vintage of very good whites and terrific reds – not unusual for a dry season
