Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Coonawarra)

Winemaking Notes
The Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 exemplifies the family's traditional approach to viticulture and winemaking. Harvested at optimum maturity from three strategically selected prime vineyard locations, the fruit was fermented for seven days under controlled temperatures in a combination of rotary and static fermenters to preserve varietal character. The wine then matured for 18 months in small French oak barrels, developing vibrancy and richness whilst maintaining the purity of Coonawarra fruit expression. Following barrel ageing, the wine was aged in bottle for two years to enhance smoothness and drinkability. The Zema family's commitment to hand pruning and limited irrigation ensures concentrated fruit quality, whilst their estate-grown philosophy guarantees complete control from vineyard to bottle.

Vintage Conditions
The 2019 vintage in Coonawarra benefited from the region's renowned 'terra rossa' soil—a thin one-metre band of iron-rich soil overlaying a deep limestone formation that provides exceptional drainage and unique mineral characteristics. The Zema family's three vineyard sites capitalise on the region's subtle climatic variations, allowing for optimal fruit development across the growing season. This well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon showcases outstanding depth of fruit, reflecting the quality of the vintage and the distinctive terroir. Whilst drinking beautifully now, the wine will continue to gain complexity and offers excellent cellaring potential for at least ten years, a testament to both the vintage conditions and the family's meticulous winemaking since 1982.