Critic Scores:

• 97 – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
• 96 – Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion

Perched at an extreme altitude of 560 metres on a rugged, rocky outcrop of the Clare Valley, the estate-grown Gaia Vineyard experienced a remarkably long, mild, and cool 2022 growing season. This temperate climate afforded a classic, slow ripening that produced a compact and beautifully poised medium-bodied frame. Composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, the fruit spent 18 months maturing in premium French oak barriques (45% new) and was bottled completely unfined.

In the glass, it presents an exceptionally deep, vibrant red-purple colour that heavily stains the sides.

The bouquet uncoils with an assertive, brooding perfume of wild briary blackberry, dark liqueur cherry, and cassis, seamlessly overlaid with complex nuances of graphite, bitter dark chocolate, mint, and black olive.

The palate is satiny smooth, tight, and immaculately concentrated, structured by a formidable yet ultra-fine network of pliable, ductile tannins and a refreshing core of natural acidity.

Spearheading the critical praise, Huon Hooke of The Real Review awarded the wine a stellar 97 points, declaring it "a tightly packed, dense and focused cabernet that deserves a decent term in the cellar."