Crawford River Cabernets 2024

Crawford River Cabernets 2024

The Crawford River Vineyard was planted in 1975, in the relatively unknown region of far South-West Victoria. The location of the site – outside traditional wine growing areas at the time – owes thanks to the vision, hard work and determination of its founders, John and Catherine Thomson. Following research and inspiration from around the globe, they were inspired by its geographical and geological potential to produce superior quality grapes. After numerous soil explorations within an area of land originally settled in 1886 by John’s great grandfather for grazing, the first plantings of Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon took place in 1975. John promptly enrolled to study Viticulture and Oenology at Charles Sturt University, with more plantings in 1976 and 1977 and the addition of the winery in 1981. The cool, southerly latitude together with the maritime influence, complex soil structure and favourable micro-climate, create a terroir which has justified the initial vision. The second generation now continues the journey, with daughter Belinda at the helm.

Hand-picked fruit taken directly to the winery was destemmed to open fermenters. A cold soak of around five days preceded some carbonic fermentation, then natural, alcoholic fermentation. All blocks remained separate and were hand plunged throughout a moderate fermentation. Pressed when dry, the wine settled for around 4 weeks in tank, prior to barrelling down to French Oak, less than 10% new. After about 12 months, the wine was blended 2 months prior to bottling in September 2025. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc.

How good - bricky, concrete like aromatics, polished new leather, dark chocolate,classically cassis, with this little strawberry/blackberry conserve, mature tobacco leaf and a vibrant freshness, not brisk but pure. Such a comforting blanket of old school goodness - at the moment the oak is showing a little, but in a positive manner, the fruit is fully ripe, all at 13% which carries that core of vibrancy to match and sit with pillowy soft tannins. Fantastic drink!