2021 Stonegarden Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley

Bright crimson with aromas of blackberry pastille, blackcurrant and black cherry fruits underscored with hints of baking spices, turned earth, dried herbs, bouquet garni, cedar, tobacco leaf, dried citrus rind and stone. Full bodied and carrying a graceful line, it is bright of fruit with fine tannin grip and a sprightly line of minerally acidity driving things along.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au October 2024

With vines planted in 1858 to 1862 and 1970s, we are looking at a serious contender for some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Australia. As we dive deeper into the history of Stonegarden we are expecting to find more evidence to confirm these planting dates.

Different picking times for each block of Cabernet Sauvignon ensured the first pick had an unmistakably leafy Cabernet varietal lift. The second, riper pick, brought in more ‘choc mint’ and softer riper tannins. Fermentation was conducted with destemmed fruit as the tannins from the stalks can be highly astringent. The wine spent time on skins post-fermentation, building structure and length as the more angular tannins softened. A small lick of new French oak in the form of 225L and 300L barrels for maturation has added the final touch.

Stonegarden Cabernet Sauvignon from the Barossa Valley is a bold and character-driven expression of old vine terroir with serious pedigree. Sourced from one of the oldest continuously producing vineyards in the Barossa, with vines dating back to the 1850s, this wine reflects a unique microclimate in the elevated Eden Valley pocket of the region. While the Barossa is often synonymous with Shiraz, Cabernet thrives in the stony soils and cooler conditions of Stonegarden’s historic site.

Winemaker Glen Monaghan works with meticulous attention to detail, allowing the vineyard to speak with minimal intervention. Fruit is handpicked, fermented with a portion of whole berries to preserve perfume and finesse, and matured in seasoned French oak to maintain structure without overwhelming the fruit.

This Cabernet is aromatic and complex, with lifted notes of cassis, black cherry and bay leaf layered over cedar, graphite and crushed granite. The palate shows purity and balance, with fine tannins and a long, mineral-etched finish. It has the power you’d expect from Barossa Cabernet but retains a remarkable sense of restraint and elegance.

Cellar for 10 to 15 years easily, or enjoy now with dry-aged ribeye, rosemary lamb or wild mushroom ragu.