Fox Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Winemaking and Drinking

The McLaren Vale area is known for its Mediterranean climate, which provides ideal conditions for growing robust and flavorful grapes. The 2018 vintage of Fox Creek Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the essence of this terroir, with a blend of traditional winemaking techniques and modern innovations.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vines at Fox Creek are planted in diverse soil types, ranging from deep sandy loam to red-brown earth over limestone. This variety in soil composition contributes to the complexity of the wine, as each soil type imparts unique characteristics to the grapes. The 2018 growing season experienced optimal weather conditions, with a warm and dry summer followed by a cool autumn. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, developing deep flavors and balanced acidity.

Winemaking

The winemaking team at Fox Creek follows meticulous practices to ensure the highest quality. Hand-harvesting the grapes ensures that only the best fruit is selected. The grapes undergo a gentle crushing process before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. This is followed by malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity and enhances the wine's mouthfeel. The wine is then aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 18 months. This aging process adds layers of complexity, with the oak imparting subtle vanilla and spice notes.

Tasting Notes

The Fox Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a remarkable expression of the McLaren Vale terroir. In the glass, it presents a deep, inky purple color, hinting at its concentration and depth.

• Aroma: The nose is rich and inviting, with prominent aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark plum. There are also subtle hints of mint and eucalyptus, characteristic of McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon, intertwined with notes of cedar, vanilla, and a touch of cocoa from the oak aging.

• Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a luscious texture. The dark fruit flavors of blackberry, cassis, and plum are layered with complex undertones of tobacco, dark chocolate, and a hint of black pepper. The well-integrated tannins provide structure and a velvety mouthfeel, leading to a long, satisfying finish.

• Finish: The finish is lengthy and elegant, with lingering flavors of dark fruit and a touch of oak spice. The balance of acidity and tannins ensures the wine's potential for aging, promising further development of flavors over the next decade.

Fox Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 stands as a testament to the winery's commitment to quality and the unique characteristics of the McLaren Vale region. Its rich history, careful vineyard management, and dedicated winemaking process culminate in a wine that is both expressive and refined. This vintage is not only a delight to drink now but also holds the promise of greater complexity with additional cellaring