2024 Freycinet Vineyard Cabernet Merlot

Just a handful of warm sites around Tasmania, including Freycinet Vineyard, produce excellent Cabernet and Merlot wines. Reminiscent of the Bordeaux region, our cool maritime climate allows us to fully ripen these varieties, creating wines with fine, elegant savoury tannins, worthy of the cellar.

The 2024 season on the east coast of Tasmania saw the return of warmer, drier conditions after three cooler, wetter, La Nina influenced seasons. The winter proceeding the growing season set the scene with mild above average temperatures throughout and close to normal rainfall. Spring and summer continued this warmer than average temperature pattern and low rainfall. Budburst was early as a result and settled flowering conditions provided a return to long-term average yields with perfect, well-formed bunches. Given the extra warmth
throughout the season all varieties ripened beautifully and up to three weeks earlier than normal. Fruit quality was exceptional with concentrated flavours and ripe, juicy acidity.

Mature vines are meticulously hand tended and handpicked, ensuring optimal ripeness. In the winery, fruit is hand sorted and destemmed to ensure fragrance and intensity of flavour. The combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a sprinkling of Cabernet Franc ensures the ideal balance of plush berry fruit, spice and herbaceous, savoury complexity. Extended post ferment maceration and long maturation in barriques has allowed for the development of assertive yet elegant tannins.