Blackwood Valley Outré Cabernet Shiraz 2020

What is Cabernet Shiraz?

Cabernet Shiraz is a blend of exactly that Cabernet and Shiraz. Regarding Shiraz the French and Americans call it Syrah, we call it Shiraz. A versatile variety and well suited to a range of climates and can be found in most of the grape growing regions of Australia. In hot climates (such as the Barossa Valley of Australia), Shiraz is more consistently full-bodied with softer tannin, jammier fruit and spice notes of liquorice, anise and earthy leather. In many regions, the acidity and tannin levels of Shiraz allows the wines produced from the grape to have favourable aging potential. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely recognised red wine grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon became internationally recognised through its prominence in Bordeaux wines where it is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. From France, the grape spread across the world and can be found in Australia’s Margaret River, Clare Valley, Barossa Valley, Mt Barker and Coonawarra regions. The classic profile of Cabernet Sauvignon tends to be full-bodied wines with high tannins and noticeable acidity that contributes to the wine’s ageing potential. In cooler climates, Cabernet Sauvignon tends to produce wines with blackcurrant notes that can be accompanied by green bell pepper notes, mint and cedar which will all become more pronounced as the wine ages.

About The Producer

The producer of this wine is a very small family operation in the heart of the Blackwood Valley in WA. with very little retail presence other than in restaurants and via cellar door. They have never gone down the road of wine shows or rating by James Halliday preferring to keep it local and produce wines of exceptional quality. All wines produced are in small batches with love, care and respect for the grape.

About the region

Boasting over 50 vineyards, covering an area of more than 450 hectares, the picturesque Blackwood Valley Wine Region is located between the Margaret River and the Great Southern Wine Regions in the southwest of Western Australia. The region includes the historic settlements of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Balingup and Nannup.  The climate of the region is Mediterranean, suitable for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, as well as key red wine grape varieties being Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The climate is characterised by moderate temperatures, with rainfall predominant in the winter months and dry and warm summer days. Fruit intensity is highlighted by cool nights and coupled with the elevation of the region giving Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon cool climate characters which is a growing strength in Australian wine styles. The region varies in elevation, from 100 metres in the west to 340 metres in the east. The annual rainfall range is from 600 to 900 millimetres. he soil in the area is heavily dictated by the topography. A series of smaller valleys run throughout the region. The deep gravel soils found on sites provides fruit intensity and flavour and is ideally suitable for vineyards.

Comments From Wine Buyer Steve

Our company prides itself on dealing with small family operated wineries throughout Australia. We find that these small operators put the most love and passion into their wines and the supplier of South West Cabernet Shiraz 2020 is no exception. The wine has great fruit body and length and i would say it is medium bodied. The fruit intensity is rich with dark berry flavours and heaps of pepper and spice. It represents sensational value for money at $14.00 per bottle.