Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Tasting Notes
The 2003 Battle of Bosworth Cabernet shows plums and blackberry, with additional layers of earth, spice and tobacco on the nose, as well as blueberry and currants. Looking further at the wine, a delicate combination of herbal notes and spice (in the Bouquet Garni spectrum) with additional aniseed and tea leaf characters can be found. The palate shows classic McLaren Vale varietal Cabernet characters, as well as a hint of baked quince. This single vineyard wine shows a delicate level of extract and super fine tannins. The dark berry fruits on the nose emerge on the palate, and as the wine evolves in the glass over time, faint cedary and toasty characters can be seen - testament to the balance of excellent oak used. A terrific example of McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon, which will age and drink well over about 5-8 years, with the requisite careful cellaring.
Vintage
Windy conditions during flowering and fruit set in Spring 2002, combined with one of the worst droughts in 100 years resulted in reduced yields in McLaren Vale from vintage 2003. Rain in February caused problems for many growers, but being on deep soils and benefiting from the strong breezes from both the sea and gully winds from the nearby hills ensured the Edgehill vines avoided berry split, and yields were only moderately affected. A smaller volume of fruit was however ameliorated by the rich flavour and colour of the wines – the result of the ideal ripening conditions of veraison through to harvest.
Winemaking
Traditionally made in open fermenters and matured in a mixture of both old and new French and American oak, the Cabernet Sauvignon has benefited from the addition of a small percentage of ‘cordon cut’ Amarone style Cabernet which was left to dry on the vine for about two weeks after harvest. Separately fermented and matured, it was blended back just prior to bottling. As a single vineyard wine, this Amarone style component adds an interesting twist to what is a single vineyard wine.
Other Vintages
Technical Details
Picking Date: 31st March 2003
pH Level: 3.40
Total Acidity: 7.58g/L
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
Bottling Date: 7th February 2005