2017 Lake Breeze Arthur's Reserve Cabernet Petit Verdot Malbec, Langhorne Creek

2017 Lake Breeze Arthur’s Reserve Cabernet Petit Verdot Malbec is a flagship red from Langhorne Creek, a region defined by its cooling Lake Alexandrina breezes and the unique flooding of the Bremer River flats that naturally rejuvenate the soils each winter. These deep alluvial and sandy loam soils give Cabernet Sauvignon remarkable purity and line, while Petit Verdot and Malbec add structure, colour and aromatic lift. Lake Breeze is a family estate with roots stretching back to the late nineteenth century, but its modern reputation was built by the Johnston family, with winemaker Ben Johnston now at the helm. Arthur’s Reserve is named in honour of Arthur Johnston, Ben’s grandfather, and represents the best parcels and barrels from the vintage, only bottled in years that meet a very high bar for concentration and balance.

The 2017 vintage was outstanding in Langhorne Creek, delivering wines of depth without excess. In the glass this wine shows a deep crimson core with dark ruby edges. Aromas are complex and layered, opening with blackcurrant, dark plum and blueberry, followed by cedar, graphite, violets and subtle spice. The palate is powerful yet beautifully controlled, with dense cassis and dark berry fruit supported by fine, authoritative tannins and a long, savoury finish. Cabernet provides the spine and classic structure, Petit Verdot adds depth and firmness, and Malbec brings plushness and perfume. It is superb with roast beef, lamb, game and richly flavoured dishes, and it is built to cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, developing notes of tobacco, leather and earthy complexity while retaining its Langhorne Creek freshness.