Hope Estate "The Cracker" Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot

Wine information: Hope Estate was established in 1994 when Michael Hope gave up his pharmacy career to do something he loved – to make wine. The winery, adjoining the new Fordwich vineyard, was purchased in 1996 and occupies the site of the former Saxonvale Winery which lay dormant for a number of years. Renamed the Hill of Hope, after years of standing as en empty shell, the winery once again became operational after having been refitted for his first vintage of Hope Estate in 1997. Taking a giant leap forward Michael acquired the Kyneton based Virgin Hills wine business in Victoria and the 45 acre Donnybrook vineyard in Western Australia in 2000. All wine from these interstate vineyards being bottled, warehoused and distributed from his Hunter headquarters at Broke.Since then he’s built one of the Hunter’s most successful family owned wineries. Cabernet and Merlot grapes are crushed on the west coast and then transported by truck across the Nullabor Plains to the Hunter Valley on the east coast where they are fermented and bottled. The must is chilled for this three day road trip and arrives with amazing colour and tannin extraction. Cabernet Sauvignon 80% and Merlot 20%. 30% American oak during fermentation. For maturation 30% French oak and 70% American oak.

Tasting Notes: Hope Estate "The Cracker" is very dark red in colour, with a slight purple hue. Upfront sweet blackberry and blueberry fruit explode to fill the palate. A full bodied mouth feel is supported by ripe tannins and vanillan oak balanced by the mint and eucalypt notes.

Food & drink match: This full bodied wine is perfect with a juicy lamb dish or can handle rich beef or duck. Truly a 'Cracker!'

 
     

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