2023 Dappled Limited Release Tradition Cabernets

WINEMAKER: Shaun Crinion
REGION: Yarra Valley, VIC
VARIETY: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
VITICULTURE: Sustainable

“These wines are all hailing from the cool and later ripening 23’ vintage, and they show the positive effects of this long cool ripening season. In this release, we have 3 reds and one Chardonnay, and due to tiny yields again there is no SV Yarra Pinot Noir (which all went into the last Appellation release). Stylistically the reds are fragrant and pure with fine acidity, and the Chardonnay is simply stunning - similar to the 2019 vintage.” - Shaun Crinion

Made from the Steels Creek Vineyard and grown by Simon Peirce, this vineyard was planted in 1981 and produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The blend is 68% Cab Sav and 32% Cab Franc with 20% whole bunches included in the ferment. It's fermented with wild yeast and had 18months in old French oak barriques.

This is essentially a field blend with the Cabernet cropping a bit lower this year, so the Franc percentage is up. In cool years like 23’ the Cabernets blends have hauntingly fragrant aromas. Violet floras, raspberry, cassis and pencil shavings. This shows none of the green characters you may expect from a cool year, but instead more delicate pretty fruits. The palate is fine but flavoursome with lovely finesse and drive. Classic Yarra Cab! This will Cellar very well.

Despite their fame, Shaun’s releases still remain tiny due a lack of suitable fruit. Obviously, it goes without saying that he is fastidious about the fruit he sources, as evidenced by the quality of these wines year after year. The other thing that remains important to Shaun is that his wines remain accessible. Despite the increasing costs of fruit and production and regardless of the effort, and rarity, the wines are priced to offer some of the best value for money in Australian wine today.