There are vineyards on The Granite Belt that source some of their fruit from Rosemary Hill Orchard at Traprock. The orchard/vineyard is located in the Darling Downs Region but is just outside The Granite Belt GI. The fruit is grown by Duncan Ferrier who seems to occupy the perception of a perfectionist among Granite Belt locals hence all vineyards using Duncan’s fruit have been more than happy. The Rosemary Hill Orchard has a warmer climate than The Granite Belt and the grapes ripen accordingly.
This 2019 wine is made with fruit from Duncan Ferrier. The wine is a deep garnet in the glass and bright red rubies at the edges. It needs some breathing time and then shows a lifted bouquet of dark fruits, violets, floral sweet lilacs, spices and a little bay leaf. The palate is expressive with black cherries, plums, lots of spice, those bay leafs that are noticeable on the bouquet and some cedary oak but what hallmarks this wine at this stage of it’s life are the firm and powerful tannins, they kick in pretty early and continue long. This is a full bodied wine and any self respecting Cabernet Sauvignon would be proud to exhibit this tannin profile. For my palate the tannins definitely need to soften and I can’t see this happening for a few years. The balance is there though and when the tannins soften enough this will be a wine to enjoy in cold weather with some strong ebullient extroverted uninhibited meals.
Tasted: Saturday 4th July, 2020 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $45
Suggested Drinking Window: 2021 to 2030
Winemaker: Warren Smith
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