Benchmark Cabernet Shiraz
{THE FRUIT}
Benchmark by Grant Burge, is the epitome of a great wine from South Australia. The name sets the high standard of quality, style and taste of the wine, which others strive to attain. Grant selects only the best parcels of grapes to make this premium, fruit-driven wine with excellent balance, which can be enjoyed without years of cellaring and offers excellent value, quality and consistency An excellent growing season allowed maximum development of varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz characters and concentration of flavours. The blend is made up half Cabernet Sauvignon and half Shiraz, with a large portion of the fruit harvested from growers in the Barossa, and the remainder from respected premium growers in South Australia’s Riverland.
{THE WINEMAKING}
The fruit was crushed and de-stemmed, before fermentation could begin in stainless steel tanks for seven days. After malolactic fermentation was complete, the wine was transferred to older American and French oak hogsheads for maturation for 12 months before blending and bottling.
{THE COMMENTS}
The 2008 Benchmark Cabernet Shiraz is vibrant and youthful with deep purple hues. The nose is complex with ripe red berry fruits, subtle oak and dry autumn leaves; with sweet strawberry jam- reflecting the warm 2008 season. The palate is bursting with ripe rich fruit flavours, spices and subtle oak with complimentary soft fleshy tannins and well balanced acid. This delicious wine is ideal for every day drinking and is an excellent companion to barbequed meats and rich tomato dishes.