Massena Caviste Blend 2017 South Australia Barossa Valley

Description

Massena Caviste Blend 2017

Massena Caviste Blend 2017 – ”From the Western Ridges of the Barossa. 85% shiraz, 5% tannat, 5% petite syrah, 5% primitivo. A juicy, fruit-rich expression of the Barossa. Sweet raspberry, anise, plum and dry spice characters party through the palate. It has a bit of spark to it, this wine; it feels firm and well managed and yet it bursts with flavour.” 92 points, Winefront.com.au, Dec 2018.

2017 Cavisté Blend

Grape Variety:  85% Shiraz, 5% Primitivo, 5% Petite Sirrah, 5% Tannat

At Massena we are lucky to see a whole range of different varieties grown in the Barossa’s Mediterranean climate pass through our Greenock cellars. The Cavisté, or cellarman, can then go through and pick out some unique barrels and make a blend that’s high on freshness, complexity and most of all enjoyment.

Sub Region: Western Ridge

Winemaking: Following an excellent 2016 winter of rainfall that replenished the soil moisture levels, most vineyards were able to grow some extensive canopies for the 2017 harvest. With extra fruit shading combined with a mild summer, some usually dense and full bodied varieties were able to be picked early giving lifted aromatics and acidic energy. Blending these expressive characters with Shiraz grown in the red clays of the Western Ridge has given us an opportunity to craft a unique blend of different varieties. All parcels in the blend were fermented using indigenous yeast and the wine goes to bottle unfined, unfiltered and with minimum sulphur.

The Wine: A panoply of aromatics reflect the unique assemblage of this cellar blend. High end black pepper and cake spice are interwoven amongst rose water and turkish delight nuances. A briary, brambly and earth like undertone is offset with vanilla bean and raspberry sweetness. A real ferrous and graphite minerality leads the palate with tart cranberry and plum like red and black fruits giving a piquancy that is definitely moorish.

The Real Review Toni Paterson 92 Points

An alluring nose with concentrated dark cherry aromatics and pleasing dried-herb accents. The palate is plush and supple. An elegantly framed wine with juicy fruit flavours, rustic undertones and impressive concentration. Serve with food to mop up the gently drying tannins. Predominantly shiraz with a little primitivo, petite syrah and tannat.