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HASELGROVE Protector Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale

This wine comes from two distinct McLaren Vale sub-regions, Seaview for structure and dark fruit with a violet lift, and Aldinga for lifted varietal characters of cassis and menthol. The grapes are de-stemmed but not crushed into open fermenters for a three-day cold soak prior to fermentation on skins. Fermentation is completed in a combination of new and used French oak barrels in which the wine is then matured for 15 months. Vineyard batches are kept separate and the final wine is a barrel selection.

Haselgrove Protector Cabernet Sauvignon is typically intensely varietal with aromas of redcurrant, dried herbs and cloves. The generous palate is juicy and plush, with flavours of blackcurrant and red summer berries framed by prominent but fine tannins. The name Protector refers to the Celtic belief in the protective powers of hazel, sprigs of which were worn to ward off evil spirits and the dangers of the sea. Cabernet tannins might also be said to protect this wine as it ages.

Region McLaren Vale

The McLaren Vale wine region is located between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf of St Vincent just South of Adelaide in South Australia. Historically it was John Reynell who established Chateau Reynella in 1838, and Thomas Hardy who purchased the historic Tintara in 1876, that kick started the development of the McLaren Vale wine industry. The climate is generally considered warm, although different aspects, altitude and the effect of the cooling ocean breezes moderate the climate within the different sub-regions of the Vale. A large number of soil types are present, although red-brown loams dominate. The biggest viticultural challenge is the potential for drought and the overall lack of water. Full bodied, robust and plush reds typify the McLaren Vale style. Plantings are dominated by Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, with smaller plantings of whites including Semillon, and Chardonnay. More recent plantings of Mediterranean varieties particularly suited to the climate, including Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Savagnin and Fiano have also been very successful.