2021 cabernøt.
IT’S CABERNET SAUVIGNØN, BUT NØT AS YØU KNØW IT…
Modern, bright, fresh, zesty… not exactly words that are usually used in sentences containing the words “cabernet sauvignon”.
And yet, with plenty of structure and none of the big, thick, blocky tannins of the cabsav of old, Cabernøt is what happens when you let great fruit free-range, allowing it to express its true nature through unconventionally light-touch winemaking techniques.
This is an expressive and energetic, friend-of-a-wine through which to enjoy all of life’s moments - the up ups, the down downs, the momentous and the Mondays.
Pairs well with Sunday roasts, big gatherings of family and friends, responsibly-caught and lightly grilled fishes with sides of roasted brussels, or emergency second-reheat lasagnes in times of crisis that only a shared bottle can resolve. Or, alone while sitting in a cupboard, just you, the bottle, and a big jar of anchovies.
And if you want to know more about those pairings, head here, to learn about our ethical employment of squirrels, serving suggestions that never include acorns, and most importantly, what those individual bottle numbers you might be noticing in these pictures >>> are…
Grown on the pristine slopes of Ironbank in South Australia’s cool climate Adelaide Hills wine regions, Irønbank Cabernøt reinvents quality Cabernet, rediscovering an iconic varietal for a new era.
SAD, SAD, HAPPY…
Yes this 2021 was SØ FINE, but it’s all gone now! HØWEVER, 2023 has just landed, and it’s got all the moves, check it out HERE…
HANG ON, WHAT ARE THOSE SCRIBBLY NUMBERS ON THE BOTTLE ABOUT?
YES IT'S KIND OF MAD, BUT BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU, WE NUMBER EVERY SINGLE BOTTLE OF OUR TINY BUT PERFECTLY FORMED VINTAGES, UNIQUELY... YOU WHAT? HOW? WHY???
YES IT'S KIND OF MAD, BUT BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU, WE NUMBER EVERY SINGLE BOTTLE OF OUR TINY BUT PERFECTLY FORMED VINTAGES, UNIQUELY... YOU WHAT? HOW? WHY???
TASTING NOTES
2021 ADELAIDE HILLS
CABERNØT
CABERNET SAUVIGNON | IRONBANK | SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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This wine fills the glass with aromas of bayleaf, classic Cabernet spearmint/choc mint, and complex cedar notes.
A cooler than normal year meant more green flavours which is reflected in the spearmint nose rather than blackberry fruit or choc mint.
The rich palate delights with earthy capsicum flavours leading to a long savoury finish.
Enjoy with friends over a meal or carefully cellar it for years to come.
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NOSE | Spearmint, bayleaf, cedar, cigar box, blackberry leaf, bouquet garni
PALATE | Earthy capsicum palate, savoury finish, blackberry notes, and a racy finish.
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This small vintage enjoyed a season of ideal growing conditions.
The 20/21 season stretched out hot and dry following good fruit set in November, and wind and climate were kind.
Average rainfall and cooler nights moderated growth rates for a harvest some ten days later than previous vintages.
A committed, and admittedly underpaid, crew of friends and family turned out on April 7 to enjoy a day outdoors for the pick.
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The 5 hectares of north-facing slopes at Ironbank in the Adelaide hills are surrounded by mature bushland of stringybark and cup gums.
At altitudes of around 410m at the highest points, and catching fresh gully breezes, Ironbank’s cool climate conditions are ideal for grape production.
The Irønbank vines were planted into shallow top soil and a base of clay in the early 90’s.
Single cordon, terraced, and spur pruned annually by hand, these family-owned vines are a part of daily family life at Irønbank, carefully and constantly curated for quality at every stage of every season.
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The vineyard is overlooked by Robin & Tracey’s architectural eco-residence, a strong and thoughtful architectural building of timbers and glass. In keeping with the overarching philosophy of the property, the residence operates offgrid for water and generates its own electricity, and has been built to passive-solar standards featuring repurposed materials salvaged around the site. It enjoying expansive views across the vines and adjacent forest, fields and truffle orchard.
The Irønbank team’s wine-making philosophy and approach is light on intervention whilst consistent on touch. All practicable work is by hand, cane prunings are remulched to build organic matter in soil.
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HARVESTED | 6/4/21
PROCESSED | 7/4/218 days on skins, pressed off, allowed to settle for 5 days, then sent to a blend of French & American oak barrels for 2 months of malolactic fermentation. 17 months in loak, lightly fined before rack & despatch.
QUANTITY | 1,332x 750ml bottles
VINEYARD | Single vineyard, Ironbank, Adelaide Hills, South Australia
CELLAR | Will reward careful cellaring
ALCOHOL | 14.2%
RRP | $42 / $252 half-dozen / $504 dozen
I’m light, zesty, bright, structured and fruity. I’m never fusty, tanning or red-nosey. I’m Ironbank Cabernøt, cabsav’s new era makeover. Drink me ;-)
$252/HALF-DOZEN CASE ($42/bottle), less discount code if applicable (apply in checkout)
$504/FULL-DOZEN CASE (42/bottle), less discount code if applicable (apply in checkout)
Delivery to metropolitan capital city locations within Australia by Australia Post will be calculated at checkout, or a free pickup/personal delivery option may be preferred. For shipments outside of metro cap cities, or outside of Australia, please email us for a shipping arrangement.
REVIEW
“Upon tasting, we found the wine to be very varietal. It had the typical cabernet characteristics of red fruits, capsaicin, cigar box, but subtly expressed. My son tried it as well and his immediate impression was a eucalypt/menthol note which for me was more of a secondary character.
On the palate the wine was soft and plush with very attractive slightly chalky tannins. The red fruit characters were pronounced on the palate with the menthol freshness becoming more apparent to me. Some thought had gone into the acid structure which provided an attractive long finish.
I described a certain style of reds to you as a 'Lunchtime Clarets' and I think that this wine fits the bill. It's a very approachable, easy drinking medium red that you can drink with or without food. I imagine you could pop this on ice in summer to drink in the sun or just as happily by the fire.
I think it shows what cabernet can be with a cooler Hills environment, judging from the acidity, a longer ripening period.
Congratulations on your first vintage, nothing wrong with this wine at all! Pop a label on it, sell some and drink lots, I think it's great!”
FRANK
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