2025 Bloody Hill Villages Cabernet Sauvignon, Coldstream Yarra Valley

Bloody Hill Villages Cabernet Sauvignon from Coldstream in the Yarra Valley is a lifted, quietly powerful and wonderfully pure expression of cool climate Cabernet crafted in tiny quantities by Riva Mayer. The fruit comes from gravelly clay and mudstone soils on the lower slopes of Coldstream, where long autumn sunshine and crisp, breezy nights help Cabernet ripen slowly, developing aromatic lift, fine tannins and exceptional natural acidity. Riva handles the variety with the same artisan touch that defines his Pinots and Chardonnays: hand picking, wild yeast fermentation, gentle extraction and maturation in older French oak to preserve clarity, brightness and a sense of place.

The bouquet is fragrant and inviting, showing blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry alongside violet, cedar, sweet herbs and a graphite like mineral thread. With a little air, deeper notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf, plum skin and warm earth begin to emerge, adding quiet complexity without weight.

The palate is supple, refined and driven by freshness. Cassis and dark berry fruit glide across silky, fine grained tannins, guided by lively acidity that keeps everything balanced and energetic. Flavours of blackberry, redcurrant, bay leaf and subtle spice unfold steadily, finishing long and savoury with a cool mineral echo that speaks clearly of the vineyard’s soils. It is delicious now but will grow in depth and complexity over the next four to seven years.

An effortless companion to roast lamb, grilled steak, duck breast, mushroom ragù, charred vegetables, washed rind cheeses and slow cooked dishes with herbs and spice.