Burton 2001 Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

Unseasonably warm temperatures led to vintage starting 10 days earlier than normal, with some vines showing reduced acidity. Rain in March reduced sugar levels for some fruit, but the extended ripening period led to perfect picking opportunities. Yields were good and quality high. The vintage allowed for the all important even fruit set and thick skins. After picking and pressing the wine enjoyed extended maceration and was barrel fermented in both new and used French and American oak for 20 months. Just before bottling the wine was fined, stabilized and filtered. The wine shows the benefit of optimally ripe fruit both on the nose and the palate. The use of good oak, which is already fully integrated adds complexity, yet leaves this very attractive wine, fruit driven. The finish is long, soft and pleasing. Now aging gracefully this wine has wonderful soft fruit and is showing the additional complexity that careful cellaring can offer. Recommended drinking now or up- to a further 10 years