Description
Great Aunt Clara was born on the Nietschke family property at Koonunga with her brothers Jack and Harry. This elegant Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a fitting tribute to Clara and the region that the Nietschke family still call home
The 2018 vintage was superb. Winter was slightly wetter than average getting the vines off to a brilliant start leading them into Spring which was warmer and drier than average. Rain in early December refreshed the vines and ensured they remained strong and healthy for the overall dry and hot Summer. Autumn also remained dry with perfect Autumnal temperatures leading into harvest. The 2018 yields are good and the quality is excellent, a classic Barossa vintage.
Vineyard
Nietschke Clara Cabernet Sauvignon is from a selection of vineyards across the Barossa. Blocks from the Western Barossa Valley, with shallow sandy loam soils and red clay give low yields and intense flavours while one block from Eden Valley, with its higher elevation and cool nights ensures elegance, structure and brightness.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested in numerous batches from mid to late April. Following fermentation for 7 to 14 days on skins in open top fermenters with hand pump-overs twice daily, the grapes were pressed and the wine was aged in hogshead barrels for two years. Both seasoned and new French oak was used.
Tasting Notes
Nietschke 2018 Clara Cabernet is dark purple-red in colour.
The wine bounds from the glass with varietal Cabernet aromatics including violets, wild berries, clove, licorice, blackberry and eucalypt together with some classy cedary oak.
The palate is medium-full bodied displaying ripe red and black Cabernet fruits. It is mouth-filling and richly flavoured with fine grained tannins providing structure. Oak is evident, but in the background. The length on this wine is extremely long to finish. Nietschke Clara is a fine Barossa Cabernet that will cellar gracefully in the medium term
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