Description

Dominique Portet Fontaine Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Made to be “silky, juicy and open” the Portets have created a sublime and superbly balanced Cabernet that’s a bit of a favourite amongst the local vineyard crews.

This one goes down as smooth as custard. Medium ruby red colour with purple hues. Sharp and generous cassis on the nose with underlying layers of brambly berries and plum coming through on the lush palate. Fragrant fruit flavours complemented by notes of herbs, liquorice and oak. Delicious and approachable, balanced with refreshing acidity and silky tannins.

The blend comprises of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Malbec. Handpicked grape varieties from a range of warmer vineyards in the northern and southern end of Yarra Valley. The soil there is rocky and hungry, with a clay base and lots of broken sandstone. The fruits were first destemmed and gently crushed. Fermented at relatively cool temperatures to accentuate the beautiful aromatics of the Cabernet. The wine stayed on skins for two weeks, gently extracting colour and tannins. Matured for 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which were new.

13.5%

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

94 POINTS 

85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot, 4% merlot and 2% each of malbec and old vine matured for 10 months in French oak (30% new). It’s bred in the purple, but needs 5-10 years to fully reveal the inherent balance and finesse of the blackcurrant fruit and green olive flavours. Value++.

The Wine Front – 93 POINTS

 Lovely style of wine here. It’s restrained, perfumed, has a good amount of flavour in the cherry and redcurrant spectrum, a kiss of vanilla and spice oak, a dusty gently herbal Cabernet profile, freshness, and fine length. Good now, and good later too. A delight.

 An array of bright violet, cassis and blueberry aromas lead to a supple and elegant palate that has sappy cut in the mid-palate, all wrapped up tight and bright in fresh, juicy tannins. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1.5% Malbec. Drink or hold. Screw cap.