Overview
A powerful yet refined single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, crafted from rare old vines planted in the 1930s. The 2018 Sandown Cabernet Sauvignon showcases exceptional depth and concentration, combining rich blackcurrant and dark cherry fruit with graphite, aromatic herbs and beautifully integrated tannins. Awarded 97 points by James Suckling and 96 points by Halliday Wine Companion, this limited-production wine offers remarkable complexity and ageing potential.
Vineyard
The Sandown vineyard is situated on a west-facing hillside in Blewitt Springs, approximately 10 kilometres northeast of McLaren Vale township. The region's elevated terrain, ironstone-rich soils and deep sand deposits contribute to highly fragrant, concentrated wines. Planted in the 1930s, the vineyard contains a rare pre-phylloxera Château Reynella Cabernet Sauvignon clone. These low-yielding, dry-grown old vines produce fruit of exceptional intensity and distinctive regional character.
Vintage
Wet winter conditions in 2017 resulted in moderate fruit set, followed by warm growing conditions and early veraison in 2018. Cool summer nights allowed the grapes to develop rich fruit intensity while maintaining freshness and balanced acidity. Harvest took place in early March, yielding fruit with ripe tannins and excellent concentration.
Winemaking
The grapes were hand-harvested from dry-grown vines and underwent wild yeast fermentation with 60% whole berries. All pressings were returned to barrel, and the wine matured for 18 months in tightly grained French oak barrels aged between one and three years. It was bottled at the winery without fining or filtration, preserving its natural texture and character.
Producer Tasting Notes
Low yielding, west facing old vines produce a powerful yet refined and elegantly composed, classic Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of black currant, graphite, slate, earl grey tea, sage and bay leaf mixed with cedar shaving and baking spice with a roast meat undertone that gives the wine power and presence.
Critic Reviews
97/100 — James Suckling
“This has real depth and concentration, as well as purity of cassis and dark-cherry fruit…”
96/100 — Halliday Wine Companion
“Full weighted, yet almost ethereal…”
Producer
Clarendon Hills is a renowned McLaren Vale winery established by Roman Bratasiuk in 1990. Recognised for its distinctive single-vineyard wines, the estate focuses on exceptional old-vine sites and traditional winemaking techniques. Its wines are celebrated for their concentration, aromatic complexity and ability to express the individuality of their vineyard origins.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2018
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Producer: Clarendon Hills
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Winemaker: Roman Bratasiuk
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Country: Australia
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Region: Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, South Australia
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Vineyard: Sandown Single Vineyard
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Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
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Wine Style: Still Red Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Vine Age: Planted in the 1930s
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Vine Clone: Pre-phylloxera Château Reynella Cabernet Sauvignon
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Viticulture: Dry Grown, Old Vines
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Harvest: Hand Picked, Early March 2018
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Fermentation: Wild Yeast, 60% Whole Berry
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Maturation: 18 Months in 1–3 Year Old French Oak
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Fining: Unfined
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Filtration: Unfiltered
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Production: 6,000 Bottles
