Winemakers Comments: Two consecutively cold springs in 2007 and 2008 resulted in extremely low yields in the 2009 vintage. The vintage period saw a warm to hot onset and some rainfall in early March between receival of white varieties and receival of red varieties. Post rainfall, Margaret River’s ‘Indian summer’ came into full effect and lasted until all of the red fruit had been harvested. A culmination of the low yields and fantastic ripening conditions saw superbly ripe and balanced fruit displaying all the hallmarks of a fine Margaret River vintage Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were crushed separately to stainless steel fermentation vessels where careful cap management and extraction ensued. Maturation in 16% new French oak of the highest quality for 12 months has added further complexity to the wine. The balance was matured in 1-5 year old French oak to enhance the mellowing of the wine. Traditional oxidative handling has controlled tannin and colour modification to conjure up a deeply coloured wine with great structure and length and a pure expression of varietal fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon portion contributes the backbone of the wine with its varietal blackcurrant and herbal nuances entwined in long, dry and sinewy tannins. The Merlot component is slightly more luscious and provides sweet mid palate fruit and a lovely softness of tannin structure. Malbec is full of character in all aspects, colour, tannin, acid and flavour. Malbec really lifts both varieties to glorious heights.