Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Story

A cabernet sauvignon, done differently. In the late 1960s, Detective Frank Serpico famously broke ranks to expose the immense depth of corruption in the NYPD. Like its namesake, Serpico goes against the grain to produce a unique Apassimento method McLaren Vale cabernet sauvignon.

Tasting Note

Rich and intense with dark fruits of blackcurrant and ripe blackberry, notes of rhubarb and savoury subtleties, dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of liquorice. The wine’s caramel-like slipperiness encases fine yet firm powdery tannins which, along with succulent acidity, balance the richness of the palate on the finish.

Winemaking

Following the traditional Appassimento technique, the fruit was handpicked at 13.2º Baume and placed onto 10kg drying crates. The grapes were then transferred to our temperature and humidity-controlled storage shed to dry for 34 days. This resulted in a 30% loss in bunch weight, concentrating aromas and flavours and softening tannins. Once sufficiently dried and concentrated, the fruit was destemmed and crushed into an open top fermenter and pumped over twice daily throughout ferment. After pressing, the wine was transferred to 80% new and 20% one year old French oak hogshead barrels, where it underwent natural malolactic fermentation and 18 months maturation. We then carefully assessed each barrel for inclusion in the final blend. The 2020 Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon was made without finings and received only light filtration prior to bottling.

Vineyard

Lopresti Lot 11 – Flour Mill Road, Whites Valley.

Located in the tightly held sub-district of Whites Valley, less than 4km from the coastline. The block is a complex mix of soils derived from its parent material, Ngaltinga formation. Brown to black clay and clay loams appear in the south of the block, moving to grey sandy clay with sand interbeds in the north. These highly reputed soils maintain moisture during the growing season to support vine growth but dry out in summer, helping to control vine vigour and concentrate flavour in the fruit. East-west row orientation softens the intensity of the sun and sea breezes off the Gulf St Vincent cool the vineyard and help to retain 
freshness and vibrancy in the fruit

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