Briar Ridge Big Bully Cabernet Sauvignon Wrattonbully, 2017

A more complex and structured Cabernet Sauvignon which stood out in my tasting. In addition to their vineyards in New South Wales, the Davis family own vineyards in Wrattonbully and Coonawarra in South Australia. Wrattonbully and Coonawarra share the rich Terra Rossa soils which are so adept at producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Wrattonbully has a slightly warmer climate than Coonawarra, being just that bit further from the coast and the maritime influence. 2017 Big Bully Cabernet has intense aromas with blackcurrant, fresh dark fruits and vanilla. On the palate, it is concentrated with a firm tight structure. Delicious pure black fruits are complemented by just a touch of green bean, adding complexity. Grown on well-drained fertile red clays over limestone, Cabernet Sauvignon was picked by April 19th. Left to cold soak for 72 hours, it was then fermented in tank and malolactic fermentation completed. The wine was racked into new and one-year-old barrels for 14 months with 70% French and 30% American oak.