2021 Tomfoolery Dust Up Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley

Deep colour with a strong regional cabernet aroma of tomato bush, mossy undergrowth and a little crushed gumleaf. The wine comes into its own on the palate where it's intense and powerful, with ample tannins that are relatively soft for young cabernet; fleshy and lightly stalky at the finish. (4 barrels produced) 17 OCT 2023 Drink 2023–2035

91 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Choose your sides lads as there’ll be no fence sitters here. As sleeves are rolled and knuckles are cracked it’s obvious to see no one’s backing down. The two big reds face up, toe to toe, cork to cork, Cabernet and foe the eternal dispute. Who’ll be left standing as the dust settles...

The Tomfoolery ‘Dust Up’ Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a premium 50 year old vineyard in the sub-region of Seppeltsfield in Barossa Valley. Grown by 6th generation, grape growers the Mattschoss family, this flat site is predominately alluvial loam and red clay over lime and iron stone and situated at 255 metres above sea level.

The fruit is handpicked at optimum ripeness and flavour profile ensuring overall balance before being gently destemmed to keep as many whole berries as possible and then open fermented for a minimum of five days with the juice being pumped over the skins twice daily to maximize oxygenation and purity of fermentation. Once the wine is dry it is then gently basket pressed, minimizing the extraction of harsh tannins.

Matured for 24 months in Seasoned French Oak Barriques.

Deep Cabernet purple Rich blackcurrant and liquorice are maturing into Darjeeling and Montecristos. Intense cassis, sweet French oak and dark chocolate vie for attention. Structured with balanced acid and firm but integrated tannins, with spicy herbaceous notes on the lengthy finish.