Shingleback D Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Tasting Note.pdf

Two great McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon blocks combine harmoniously; one, a Reynella clone planted east west in 1982 on loam and the other, a CW44 clone planted north south in 1999 on red clay. Gentle cap management, through traditional open fermentation, protects and nurtures the unique qualities of the terroir. Very fine grained French oak hogsheads are used to allow a long, slow maturation of the wine and subtle oak integration.
A combination of new and 1- 6-year-old oak barrels, crafted by select coopers to our requirements are used to create nuances and diversity of flavour

GA & LS Petrucci Hill Block (1982) Cabernet Sauvignon (Reynella clone)
Davey Estate Block P (1999) Cabernet Sauvignon (CW44 clone)

Despite a very dry August a wet July in 2019 brought winter rainfall (233mm)
close to the average. The relatively cool winter resulted in mid-September
budburst, more in line with long term averages. Good rainfall in September
was followed by a dry October and November. A record hot spring day on 20th
of November (39.9 C) followed by several days of very high winds affected
cultivars flowering at the time, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, reducing berry
set. Hotter than average spring temperatures along with a very hot December
and high evaporation meant strategic and timely early irrigation was critical in
setting up vine growth and maximizing fruit quality. The upside of these
conditions was very low levels of pest and disease. McLaren Vale was
fortunate to be unaffected by the devastating fires across many regions.
The season turned on the 4th of January and the following months were cooler
than average. A timely rain in early February revived vines without causing
berry splitting. Harvest started mid-February on Pinot Noir for Rosé.
Chardonnay and Fiano were picked by the end of the month. Starting with
Tempranillo and Shiraz, reds were picked from the end of February to the end
of March. Cool conditions allowed a steady and calm progression through
harvest despite the challenges of Covid 19 restrictions.
Our reliable region and resources, including our very talented vineyard and
winery teams, have resulted in 2020 Shingleback wines of excellent quality
and generally only slightly lower quantity.

Two great McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon blocks combine harmoniously to produce a contemporary McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon that expresses the synergy of this noble variety, the terroir and our winemaking philosophy and will reward careful cellaring.