Turkey Flat 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Ok I admit it.... I forgot. Well not forgot, just didn’t remember – not top of mind.

When you are surrounded by some great Shiraz in Barossa, I find sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon flies under the radar a little, I’m ashamed to say.

And Turkey Flat haven’t helped any either. The last time they produced a Cabernet was in 2006, which I fondly remember. But with International Cabernet Day on 1 September it was an opportunity to indulge in some great juice and their latest Cabernet release.

The 2009 show typical restrained elegant style which I love across Turkey Flat’s portfolio. Not an overripe, super extracted style much to my relief. You can tell its Cabernet with just a hint of herbaceous/tomato leaf on the nose. Sometimes I find this not that attractive in the variety but here it’s well balanced by juicy red fruit, and an intriguing savoury earthiness. Pretty violets add to the mix.

The palate shows nice acid balanced with rich dark fruit, which makes me think it could be a 10-15 year proposition. Even though it’s a new release the tannins are fine and soft. Again the same aroma characters are present on the palate; spicy cinnamon and liquorice, rich cocoa powder, with that savoury edge that lingers unremittingly.

With Barossa Cabernet this good I could almost forget about Shiraz. Well almost.

RRP: $40
Only 500 cases produced
Alcohol: 14.5%
Scores: James Halliday 94pts Tyson Stelzer 93pts
Sample provided by producer

Turkey Flat Single Vineyard Shiraz

Christie & Peter Schulz of Turkey Flat in Barossa Valley, have named the three single vineyard wines from 2008 after their three sons, William, Alexander & Oliver. These wines, like their three sons, come from the same parents and have all enjoyed the same care and attention throughout their lives, yet they are all quite different and magnificent in their own right.

They have selected the best barrel from each of three Shiraz vineyards. Each located in different geological locatons within the Barossa Valley and demonstrate the wonder and diversity of nature that makes up Barossa’s ‘terrior’. There are noticeable differences between their soil types, climate, rainfall patterns and local native ecosystems. It is great to see these wines individually, in that they show the diversity of styles of Shiraz across the valley.

2008 “The Conqueror” Shiraz (Stonewell)
Earthy aromas, with spicy oak, cocoa powder, and sweet cedar. Palate is full bodied, big grippy tannin, good acid, intense fruit with dark plums and red cherry, balanced with noticeable oak. Good long length. Packed full of fruit. Needs time to come together and also to soften out. Be interested in looking at it in 10yrs. A typical ‘Barossa Shiraz’.

2008 “TheGreat” Shiraz (Bethany)
Shiraz vines are planted in 1847, just beside the winery. Delightful aromas of violets, and a soft floral/earthy character, lighter fruit intensity. Mouthfeel is soft, with powdery supple tannins, moderate acid, nice long length of flavour, greater fruit intensity on the palate, but still medium bodied for a Barossa Shiraz. Ripe dark berry, sweet spices, and bitter chocolate to finish. More restrained style of shiraz, but a typical Turkey Flat style. Will develop even greater complexity over time, but probably the most approachable of the three.

2008 “The Twist" Shiraz (Koonunga)
Aromas of both dark and light red fruit, spice, star anise/all-spice, a little floral in the background, good intensity of aroma. 100% new oak but not oak dominant, as they have used water-bent French hogshead barrels. Palate has good grippy tannins but still with a soft powdery texture. Good fruit intensity, balanced with noticeable acid. Medium to full bodied, with delightful sweet spice, and cinnamon finish.

150 packs (1 bottle of each single vineyard wine in 3 pack), will be released on 1 July 2011. Available from Turkey Flat Cellar Door.

Samples provided by producer.