2023 Dry Red Wine No. 1 is the flagship Cabernet blend of the estate, built around Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot contributing depth, fragrance and structure. The wine traces its origins back to the original vineyard plantings of 1969, when Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec were first established on the site, later joined by Merlot and Petit Verdot through subsequent plantings in the 1990s.

Complex, layered and beautifully composed, the wine opens with a melange of summer berries, bay leaf and subtle graphite, underpinned by a savoury iodine character that adds depth and intrigue. Warming clove spice and gentle oak char frame the palate, while vibrant acidity and fine tannins provide both energy and structure. Despite its intensity and concentration, the wine remains refined and approachable, with a sense of balance and elegance that allows it to evolve beautifully in the glass.

Fruit is hand harvested and meticulously sorted, with only the finest berries selected. Cabernet Sauvignon is crushed to build structure and backbone, while the Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot undergo whole berry fermentation to preserve perfume and enhance texture. Fermentation takes place predominantly in small open fermenters with gentle hand plunging twice daily, while a portion of the Cabernet ferments in a large 3500L oak cask and remains on skins for up to eight weeks to build additional complexity. The wine is matured for 15 months in French oak barriques, with 35% new oak.

A benchmark Australian Cabernet blend with exceptional pedigree, Dry Red Wine No. 1 is approachable in its youth yet built to reward patient cellaring for 20 years or more.