The Pyrenees region of Western Victoria is well-known for producing red wines with great colour, body and richness. The individual parcels of fruit for this wine came from vineyard blocks that reliably produce the wines with the most fruit-forward character. We selected these parcels for the El Nino label where we aim for a modern approachable style.
Region: Pyrenees 100%
Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon: 100%
Harvest Date: 3, 4 April

Vintage conditions:
The 2012 season was generally mild and trouble-free. Good rains through 2011 provided sufficient sub-soil moisture for rapid spring growth and some late rain in February gave the grapes the moisture they needed to ripen successfully. Harvest for Cabernet was about ten days later than usual.

Winemaking:
Grapes for this wine were selected from our best Cabernet blocks and harvested at full ripeness. Fermented on skins for seven days with pumping-over twice daily for the first five days to aid extraction. After maturation, batches with the best palate richness and overall softness were selected and blended. Bottling took place in February 2013.

Analysis:
Alcohol:14.5%

Tasting comments:
Dark red/black with deep red hue. On the nose, some aniseed and licorice notes mingle with juicy dark berries and a touch of toasty oak. A strong thread of varietal Cabernet Sauvignon flows through the aroma. The palate, rich and full, is powerful yet smooth. Medium to full-bodied with intense berry flavours and balanced oak. Overall, a wine with great mouthfeel and velvet-smooth tannins. Has the capacity to develop with careful cellaring.

Massoni Wines