Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Nagambie)

Tahbilk Reds are crafted with a commitment to traditional winemaking values. Fermentation takes place in original open oak vats (over 155 years old), followed by maturation in similarly aged large French oak barrels prior to being bottled. Smaller French and American oak barrels are also used, with the wine from these blended back during the final filtering and bottling. In the face of changing winemaking styles and trends, this has remained the way over the years, delivering wines of true provenance and reflective of each vintage.

La Nina had a major influence on the 2020/21 growing season.
Tahbilk experienced good rainfall post 2020 vintage, and regular rainfall through the year. Notwithstanding the challenges this presented for the vineyard team, who worked diligently to get their sprays on as required, the frequent rain days ensured the vineyards looked healthy and vibrant, with no disease or growth issues. The effects of La Nina contributed to a cool to warm, but not hot summer, which meant a slow and steady ripening. By mid-March we’d picked all of the whites with all very promising – Marsanne in particular. We’d also picked some reds by mid-March, mostly for Rosé, however daily light showers that followed had us all nervously waiting for the rain to stop so we could start picking the reds in earnest. The rain did stop and, after a lull in ripening, the reds jumped in sugar and the Winery staff were flat out keeping up with the picking. For a vintage that looked touch and go quite a few times, 2021 is rated a very good, to potentially stellar vintage.