Pertaringa "Understudy" Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
- 95pts Sam Kim "This is splendidly ripe and fragrant with blackcurrant, sweet plum, cedar, subtle tobacco and warm spice aromas. The palate delivers terrific fruit intensity and weight, beautifully complemented by silky texture and fine polished tannins. Stylish and wonderfully composed. At its best: now to 2032."
- 95pts & Gold Wine Showcase Magazine
- 94pts Ken Gargrett, Wine Pilot "Dark purple, this is a richly flavoured warm climate Cabernet from McLaren Vale. There is certainly a touch of oak here, but nicely balanced with dark berries, cloves, leather, a hint of compost, blackberries and brambles. The usual process here is for a small percentage of new French oak to be used in maturation, which normally proceeds over around 18 months. There is good grip here, abundant but very fine tannins with length. Intensity is maintained throughout that length. Seriously enjoyable Cab, one which should drink well for at least a decade."
Story: No second fiddle, the Understudy is a stylistic contrast to our Rifle & Hunt Cabernet.
Vintage: The start of the 2020 growing season was dry with warmer than average temperatures.
Heat and wind during flowering led to lower fruit set and subsequently lower yields at harvest.
The temperatures became milder from late January, allowing the vines to recover and helping maintain acidity.
Although crops were down considerably this vintage, the quality has been fantastic.
Nose: The nose offers subtle aromas of plums and dried herbs with a hint of spice in the background.
Palate: The palate is tasty and rich with plums and spice, complemented by elegant, smooth tannins and a tight, lingering finish.
Oak Maturation: 15% new French hogsheads for 18 months.
Cellaring: Drink now to 2030. (VF)
Alc: 15%
TA: 6.70g/L
pH: 3.60
RS: 0.6g/L