A large proportion of the grapes for this wine come from the original 1963 plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines. The remainder is from the more recently planted—1989—Petit Verdot. Whilst the proportions differ every year, depending on fruit set and cropping levels, roughly speaking, the breakdown is as follows: 65% Cabernet sauvignon, 30% Cabernet franc and Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. The addition of Petit Verdot grapes in the 1990s gave the wine a backbone of tannin and natural acidity. With its long growing season, Petit Verdot grapes are the last to be harvested, usually in mid-April.

This year’s blend is a classic from this label. The wonderful 2024 season shines through, showcasing the year’s incredible flavour concentration. A wonderful, complex mix of all the berries, generous weight and those lovely long tannins that we get from the grapes of the 60-year-old vines. 2024 produced smaller quantities than usual for this wine.

- Wantirna