Domaine A Cabernets 2012

Established in 1973, the historic Stoney Vineyard is the oldest in Tasmania's Coal River Valley. Just half an hour's drive from the city of Hobart, the 11ha single vineyard domaine was established by H. Peter and Ruth Althaus. It is the culmination of a long and exhaustive world-wide search for terroir ideally suited to cool-climate viticulture.

Ancient soil and truly cool climate give rise to inspirational terroir founded on 200 million year old Jurassic Dolerite. Domaine A lies on a north facing slope that enjoys a temperate maritime climate and extended sunlight hours over a long, cool season. Domaine A experiences some of the longest sunshine hours in Australia, ensuring grapes ripen to develop the full spectrum of varietal character. The vineyard is close planted in the European tradition (1.9 x 0.9m), with a density of 6000 vines per hectare. The sloping North-North Easterly aspect and foliage height of 1400mm enables vines to take full advantage of prolonged sunshine. Annual rainfall is often less than 500mm. Grapes ripen well into late April and early May, bringing flavours of great subtlety and intensity to the wines.

Varieties grown include red grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir and the white grape Sauvignon Blanc.

Harvesting is during the cool days of Autumn when the fruit is at the point of optimum ripeness and flavour it is hand-picked and crafted with minimal intervention. The wines are made without compromise in the spirit of the finest traditions of winemaking.