2023 Marble Angel

Barossa Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep ruby with crimson hues. Alluring aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, violet and black pepper with subtle notes of cedar, sandalwood and tomato leaf. A finely structured palate reveals layers of dark red fruits framed by cassis, roasted hazelnut, Dutch cocoa, dried thyme and bay leaf, carrying through to an exceptionally long, fine tannin finish.

$80.00
$80.00
Deep ruby with crimson hues. Alluring aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, violet and black pepper with subtle notes ...

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BACKGROUND

The Barossa has been home to grapegrowing and winemaking families for six generations. Stephen’s great-uncle Julius Henschke grew up at the family winery, and in his adult years became a renowned craftsman, artist and sculptor. Julius was recognised for ornate headstones and angel sculptures at the Gnadenberg Cemetery, as well as his most celebrated work, the inspiring National War Memorial on North Terrace in Adelaide. His Angel of Compassion and Duty sculptures are acclaimed across the country. Julius’ craft focused on the most pristine white Angaston marble quarried near to the cabernet sauvignon at Light Pass, planted on ancient red clay and limestone soil, which brings out the exquisite flavour and structure in the wine.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Harvest Date: 27 March

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Excellent vintage

Maturation: Matured in 13% new and 87% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 17 months prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 20+ years (from vintage)

VINTAGE

By late winter of 2022 the soil profiles had been refilled with well above average rainfall, which continued throughout spring. Shoot thinning during the growing season to open up the canopy helped to overcome disease pressure. Dry and cool conditions in December continued throughout summer, causing late flowering and impacting fruit set. Light rain events in autumn resulted in a slower ripening period in the lead up to harvest, which provided great flavour development and acid retention. Despite the challenges of the season, yields were above average with larger berry size compensating for the poor set. The 2023 vintage will be remembered for excellent quality wines with fruit purity, good structure, mature tannins and great length. 

TASTING NOTES

The Barossa has been home to grapegrowing and winemaking families for six generations. Stephen’s great-uncle Julius Henschke grew up at the family winery, and in his adult years became a renowned craftsman, artist and sculptor. Julius was recognised for ornate headstones and angel sculptures at the Gnadenberg Cemetery, as well as his most celebrated work, the inspiring National War Memorial on North Terrace in Adelaide. His Angel of Compassion and Duty sculptures are acclaimed across the country. Julius’ craft focused on the most pristine white Angaston marble quarried near to the cabernet sauvignon at Light Pass, planted on ancient red clay and limestone soil, which brings out the exquisite flavour and structure in the wine.

Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Harvest Date: 27 March

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage Rating: Excellent vintage

Maturation: Matured in 13% new and 87% seasoned French oak hogsheads for 17 months prior to blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential: 20+ years (from vintage)

By late winter of 2022 the soil profiles had been refilled with well above average rainfall, which continued throughout spring. Shoot thinning during the growing season to open up the canopy helped to overcome disease pressure. Dry and cool conditions in December continued throughout summer, causing late flowering and impacting fruit set. Light rain events in autumn resulted in a slower ripening period in the lead up to harvest, which provided great flavour development and acid retention. Despite the challenges of the season, yields were above average with larger berry size compensating for the poor set. The 2023 vintage will be remembered for excellent quality wines with fruit purity, good structure, mature tannins and great length. 

95+ Points
"The weave of tannin through this wine is so intricate...especially though because the body of this wine is so well fleshed with blackcurrant, green olives, cedarwood, licorice and choc-cream flavours. There’s a keen momentum to this wine and it carries all the way through to the long run of the finish. It’s medium in weight but the quality here is more than impressive; it’s outstanding."

CAMPBELL MATTINSON, CAMPBELLMATTINSON.COM

95 Points
"It is an elegant and stylish expression of cabernet, displaying bright leafy blackcurrant fruit with hints of chocolate, savoury herbs and sage bush. It has the structure and poise expected of quality cabernet, delivered with a seamlessness and refinement that makes it particularly compelling. Excellent wine."

RAY JORDAN, WINE PILOT

95 Points
"...fine cedar, blackcurrant, blackcurrant pastille, whispers of pimento, tilled earth, black tea, graphite, cocoa powder, gravel. The palate is at once vibrant, textural and intense — blackcurrant, black cherry, a glimmer of tapenade, cedar, along with other notes akin to the nose. The tannins are both firm and lithe, leading to an elegant and long close."

TOM KLINE, WINE PILOT

95 Points
"The aromas are elevated and herbal infused with plum, cherries, berries, cocoa, earth and graphite notes, all brightly spiced. Boasts fine tannins, good structure and it must be said that oak is really smartly used here... Lifted fruit and aromatics are definitely on show and so attractive. A light earthy savouriness inhabits the finish, offering yet another complexing element to the whole."

JENI PORT, WINE PILOT

94 Points
"Intense blackcurrant, black olive, hint leafy aromas with roasted chestnut notes. Classical claret style with fresh blackcurrant, dark plum, touch leafy flavours, fine grained/ bittersweet tannins, attractive mid-palate volume and underlying roasted walnut notes. Grainy/ leafy finish. Generous and vigorous."

ANDREW CAILLARD MW, THE VINTAGE JOURNAL