2005 Aramis Vineyards Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon

The mild conditions of this vintage resulted in a wine that is dark and dense in colour. Fragrant cassis and chocolate are abundant. A powerful palate showing great richness, structure and length. Very approachable in its early years due to the incredible fruit sweetness but 5-7 years is recommended to fully reveal the charms of this wine.

Winemaking is very traditional and labour intensive. Oak maturation takes place using 35-40% new barrels with the oak type traditionally being American. In good cellars, our wines can age for anywhere up to 7 to 10 years. This Cabernet Sauvignon was put together using select barrels from our estate vineyards that best demonstrate the intensity of our fruit balanced by well integrated oak.

The 2005 summer was exceedingly cool with unseasonal rainfall in February. Fruit was under no disease pressure. The ripening continued steadily through autumn until picking in late April. As fine weather continued through the autumn the vintage came to very quick close. Varietal characters were very strong and overall assessment was extremely high.

Our sole objective is to produce the best wines possible from our unique vineyard site. Low crop level is of utmost importance to ensure the fruit ripens to its full potential. Most of our vines are trellised on a single cordon wire & spur pruned to 20 buds to ensure vine balance & low cropping.

Our aim is to minimise the use of fertilizers & chemicals whenever possible to maintain healthy vines & deter vigour. Also, minimal fungicide spraying with "soft" chemicals such as sulphur, copper and any insecticides used are target specific & part of an Integrated Pest Management approach.