Approachable and expressive Cabernet from the Hogshead crew. Fruit from a low-yielding vintage is packed with plump cassis and ripe plum flavour, the nose kicking off with blackberry, bramble and a touch of oak. Good length is complimented by a well defined tannin structure. The blending of 10% Shiraz has certainly helped things along nicely.
Awards and Accolades
2014 Vintage: 91 Points - Sam Kim, WineOrbit "Supple, fleshy and rounded, this delectable cabernet shows dark plum, spiced cherry, game and roasted nut aromas on the nose, leading to succulent palate that is generously flavoured and velvety. It is fruit expressive and highly enjoyable. At its best: now to 2019."
From the Winery
Hogshead is an extension of the partnership between South Australian winegrower Jim Zerella and Nicholas Crampton. Hogshead Cabernet is a richly flavoured and impressively structured Cabernet, classically South Australian, and perfectly suited to barbecued red meats and other big flavours.
Sourced primarily from McLaren Vale, blended with a combination of established, dry-grown vineyards in central South Australia and low-yielding Langhorne Creek and Barossa Valley vineyards. Wines are made and matured by Jim Zerella in McLaren Vale.
De-stemmed before a long, cool maceration with regular pumping over. Maturation is partially in stainless steel (aiding aromatics and fruit expression), partially in seasoned French and American oak for three months and partially in 300l French Hogshead barrels for a full-bodied and complex flavour.
The 2015 vintage in South Australia was outstanding. Good soil moisture allowed the vines to weather the warm, dry summer conditions. Early Autumn rains refreshed the vines before cooler temperatures allowed a long, even ripening. A richly flavoured but well-balanced year.
Don't Pay: $20.00
WBW Rating: 92/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: South Australia
Winemaker: Jim Zerella & Nicholas Crampton
Drink now until: 2021
Alc/Vol: 14.6 %