I’m a bit sick of talking about the weather! 

As promised though, I did update last week’s post when I got more information on the impact of all that rain. If you need to catch up you can do so here.

And then it rained again. A lot!

And now it’s getting depressing. It’s almost December and we’re still lighting the fire at the Cellar Bar! Which is lovely, but I’m about ready for some sun!

In short, this season is proving to be a tough one in the vineyard. And in horticulture in general – my thoughts went to the poor cherry growers trying to get their Christmas crops ready when it hailed on Saturday!

Everything is super water-logged, disease pressure is high and vines haven’t even flowered yet – that makes them a good two weeks behind where growers would like them to be at this time of year.

But let’s talk about something a little more uplifting, shall we??

 

If you’ve been reading along with the blog, you’ll have noticed I’ve been dropping a couple of hints about the possible re-release of Rob’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. Yes, the wine you all couldn’t get enough of! The one we had to take off the list because it was disappearing too quickly leaving us with none to age and come back to at a later date….

Well, my friends… the day has come!

This Sunday, as a matter of fact.

At our Annual Champagne Shopping morning, Rob will be releasing a handful of boxes for Club members to purchase by the bottle (a max. of 2 per person I’m afraid!). The cost is $120/bottle.

Can’t make it to Shopping Morning? It’s all good. Send me an email, say nice things and I will ferret away a few bottles for its long-distance fans!

While we’re waiting for Rob to say his last goodbyes, let’s find out more about this amazing wine…

 

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

At the end of 2019, Rob released this newcomer to the Somerled Stable.

Although, it was not entirely new. Those of you who have been with us for a while will remember our 2009 Picnic Races Cabernet Sauvignon and our 2010 Picnic Races Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc.

And who could forget all those wonderful Cabernets from Kangaroo Island?

So, although it hadn’t appeared on the Somerled list for a number of years, the truth of the matter is, Rob is a huge fan of the variety. According to him Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling are the “crème de la crème” of wine varieties. Not that there is anything wrong with the others… obviously!

 

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100 years on…

This particular wine though has a special meaning for Rob. He made it in commemoration of 100 years since the death of his grandfather, Stephen Bowd.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Somerled story, it starts with Stephen – a successful horseman. On April 20th, 1908 at the Oakbank Picnic Races in the Adelaide Hills, he rode a horse called Somerled, winning the Amateur Steeplechase by 20 lengths.

Rob never knew his grandfather. Stephen was killed in the First World War near Ypres in 1917. Rob’s mother Bett, however, was most proud of the Somerled brand and the cellar door concept. She saw what Rob and his family created with Somerled as a great acknowledgement of her father, who would have enjoyed the tribute enormously.

 

 

An Adelaide Hills Cabernet?

No, Cabernet struggles to ripen well in the Hills’ cool climate. Rob was looking for grapes in the Wrattonbully wine region in Naracoorte, but in the end, he wasn’t happy with the quality. He eventually discovered a beautiful parcel of fruit in the Clare Valley, thanks to long-term Somerled friend Greg Koch. The berries were small and evenly spaced (see photo). They ripened effortlessly during their inherently long growth period.

 

Not all that familiar with the variety?

Here are some things you should know about…

cab-er-nay sau-vin-yon

The birth of Cabernet Sauvignon is thought to have occurred in 17th century France. It looks like it came about by accident when Cabernet Franc met Sauvignon Blanc! It is planted most prolifically in the Bordeaux region of Medoc. And made an appearance in Australia in 1824. Since then, it has been one of our most prolific reds. 

The moderate climate regions of Coonawarra and Margaret River are globally regarded as premier Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Other regions of note include the Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek and Clare Valley in South Australia, Mount Barker in Western Australia and the Yarra Valley in Victoria.

The most prominent Cabernet characters are blackcurrant, plum, cedar and mint. A full-bodied red with fine yet firm tannins, it’s similar in weight to Merlot, Shiraz and Tempranillo. Quality examples will develop beautifully for up to 10 years or more.

If you’re serving lamb, Cabernet is its favourite wine partner, thanks to the tannins, which cut through the rich, fatty meat. Hard cheeses are another classic pairing and it also matches well with dishes featuring warm, earthy spices such as Moroccan food. Avoid anything with bitterness.