Mac Forbes Hugh Cabernets 2019

This cuvée comes from the Yarra Valley, in the state of Victoria, east of Melbourne. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in this cool-climate Australian region, where altitude, mild nights and maritime influence encourage slow ripening. The valley combines hillsides and more sheltered areas, with ancient soils made up notably of silt and clay. These conditions allow the Bordeaux grape varieties to keep their freshness while developing precise aromatic ripeness, resulting in a slender Cabernet geared more towards balance and finesse than power.

The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and fermented separately with their native yeasts in open vats. After pressing, the wines are aged in old French oak barrels before blending and bottling.

This wine reveals notes of blackcurrant, blackberry and black plum, extended by hints of violet, bay leaf and dried herbs. Accents of graphite, cedar, tobacco and black pepper gradually enrich the whole. The medium-bodied palate favours precision and freshness, with a supple yet structured texture. The tannins are fine, tight-knit and persistent, while the acidity adds drive. The long, savoury finish retains a mineral, delicately spicy thread.

Australia began making wine more than two centuries ago. The result is a country rich in old vines, multi-generational winemaking families and a deep-rooted knowledge of and respect for craftsmanship. Add to that a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude and a varied portfolio of 65 wine regions across many climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine country like few others. Australia burst onto export markets in the 1980s and has since offered the whole world vibrant, fruity wines of exceptional value. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the story of Australian wine was dominated by over-concentrated examples of Shiraz, Grenache and red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diversity of Australia's high-quality and regional wines, which has always existed. Australian viticulture is mainly concentrated along the southern ocean fringe, where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, located around the major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the 4th largest exporter in the world in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries today for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines all over the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.