Ansted & Osicka Balgownie 1970 Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 from Bendigo showcases deep, concentrated black fruits with cassis, blackberry, loganberry, dark olive and herbs. This exceptional Cabernet from historic 1970 plantings displays fine tannins, gentle cedary oak and remarkable complexity for an age-worthy, medium-bodied Central Victorian classic.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep ruby-red with vibrant intensity, displaying the concentration and depth characteristic of old-vine Bendigo Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Balgownie Estate.
Aroma
The wine revels in the complexity that old vines bring, with deep, concentrated black fruits presenting a full spectrum of Cabernet characters. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and loganberry are complemented by dark olive, tilled earth, leaf, clove and herbs, creating an inviting and sophisticated aromatic profile that showcases the terroir of Maiden Gully.
Palate
Deep, concentrated black fruit flavours of cassis, blackberry and loganberry dominate the palate, balanced perfectly by fine tannins laid out against a gentle cedary oak background. The wine displays dark olive, tilled earth, leaf, clove and herbal notes that add complexity and regional character. The palate is medium-bodied yet intense, with remarkable structure and balance. The finish is long and refined, demonstrating the age-worthiness and exceptional quality that made 1980s Central Victorian Cabernet legendary.
Pairs With
This Ansted & Osicka Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary, aged cheddar or vintage Gouda, grilled ribeye steak with herb butter, mushroom and truffle risotto, or venison with blackberry jus.
Review
97 Points - Jeni Port, Halliday's Wine Companion - 12 June 2025
"Sadly now destined for development, the original Balgownie vineyard planted by Stuart Anderson in '70 made another stunning wine in '24 in the hands of Heathcote winemakers Tobias Ansted, former Balgownie winemaker, and Simon Osicka. Gives Bendigo cabernet some TLC which sets it soaring. Revels in the kind of complexity that old vines bring with deep, concentrated black fruits with a full spectrum of cabernet characters: cassis, blackberry, loganberry, dark olive, tilled earth, leaf, clove and herbs balanced perfectly in fine tannins laid out against a gentle cedary oak background. Gets the pulse racing, it's that good. A wine for posterity."
