Premium Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

If Riesling is the Queen of Grapes, then Cabernet is the King of Grapes. Cabernet has always been a speciality of the Helm winery and the Canberra District is perfectly suited to growing this wonderful variety. It has similarities to Bordeaux and is influenced by eastly winds in the summer which are thought to be important as they bring a whiff of salt. Helm Wines have been successfully making Cabernet sauvignon wines since 1979. However, a trip to Bordeaux Premium Growth wineries in 1999 by winemaker Ken Helm, with his son Matthew and grape growing neighbour Al Lustenburger, is when they developed the recipe to make consistent premium Cabernets in the Canberra District. The 2005 vintage was the first release, and immediately attracted rave reviews from wine critics, wine show awards and support from the consumer.

The 2006 release is similar in style as the 2005 with the elegance of fruit, oak balance, fine tannins and rich fruit, making it a very attractive drink, with long ageing potential. This is a wine from a true terrior - one vineyard specially managed to produce the perfect disease-free, hand selected Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaking allowed for no compromises: long skin contact; 18 months French and American new oak maturation and careful cask selection. This attention to detail has produced a fine example of Canberra premium Cabernet Sauvignon which will cellar for 20 years.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Only 380 cases produced after the disastrous frost of Nov 2006. The quantity was down, but the quality was surprisingly unaffected.  Careful attention to skin contact, oak maturation, and hygiene to develop a clean wine with balanced tannin / fruit structure has been successful. Our independent assessment panel gave the wine 90 points as a cask sample, and 90+ as a finished wine.

Tasting notes: Colour; bright and crimson.  Nose; rich, attractive mixture of oak and stewed stone fruit. Palate; clean, rich strawberry fruit, with earth tones and fine tannins.