2015 Hazel’s Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2015 Hazel’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a proud testament to the unique qualities of Margaret River’s southernmost vineyard. Sourced from a carefully nurtured parcel at Hazel’s Vineyard, this vintage embodies elegance, harmony, and the robust flavors that come from its biodynamic roots.

Aromas and Palate

On the nose, this Cabernet offers a fragrant blend of wild thyme, violets, and ripe black currant. These fruit-forward aromas are perfectly balanced by more savory notes of black olive tapenade, tobacco leaf, and a hint of gravel dust, giving the wine a multi-layered complexity. As you sip, the fleshy palate comes alive with flavors of maraschino cherries, cassis, and graphite. The firm but fine tannins offer structure and definition, stretching the experience across a long, satisfying finish.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine crafted for purists, offering an unfiltered and unfined expression that truly reflects the integrity of its vineyard. Every sip tells the story of Hazel’s Vineyard, an elegant and balanced wine that resonates with a sense of place.

Vineyard and Biodynamic Roots

Hazel’s Vineyard is a unique gem located in southern Margaret River. The 2015 vintage marks a significant milestone as the vineyard was on its journey toward full biodynamic certification, which it achieved in 2020. The vineyard’s ironstone gravel loam soil and cool breezes from the Southern Ocean contribute to the distinct character of this wine. Its location, combined with a northerly aspect and ample Margaret River sunshine, creates the perfect environment for the Cabernet Sauvignon grape to thrive.

Winemaking: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Craft

Sustainability is at the heart of the winemaking process for this vintage. The fruit is hand-picked and undergoes partial wild fermentation, allowing natural yeasts from the vineyard to impart unique flavors. The wine then matures for 14 months in fine French oak (20% new) and stone vessels. This ensures the balance between oak influence and the natural characteristics of the fruit. This minimalist approach, with no fining or filtration, allows the wine to express the true essence of the vineyard and the vintage.

The 2015 Vintage: Challenges and Rewards

The 2015 growing season was a challenging one for Hazel’s Vineyard. A mild winter in 2014 led to an early bud-break, exposing the vines to unpredictable spring weather. As a result, yields were significantly lower across the board, especially for Chardonnay. However, the warm and dry summer that followed ensured optimal ripening conditions for the red varieties. Despite a significant rain event in mid-February and the added challenges of bushfires and hungry birds, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes reached full tannin ripeness. This has resulted in a wine that is rich in flavor and depth, albeit produced in limited quantities due to the season’s obstacles.

Conclusion

The 2015 Hazel’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that speaks of its origins—a single vineyard, biodynamically farmed, with a focus on purity and expression. It’s a wine that reflects the harmony between nature, place, and the skillful hands that crafted it. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for years to come, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon that promises a memorable experience for those lucky enough to taste it.

Sources:

1. McHenry Hohnen. 2015 Hazel’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.