The Pugilist Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek 2017

Sometimes you’ve got to stick up for yourself… Fight for what is right in this world and uphold some good old fashioned values. Of course, one must always retain ones manners and obey the rules just ask the Pugilist. He’s powerful, thick-skinned but well-bred and with the manners and sense of fair play of a true gent.

Vintage Conditions

Returning to something approaching the historic norm, the 2017 vintage season was defined by a wet late winter followed by good flowering weather and then very mixed conditions throughout the growing period. This resulted in a late harvest. sometimes 4-6 weeks later than the precocious 2015. Quality was generally good though time spent in the vineyard as the difference between making good wine or great wine. 

Winemaking

Precise varietal expression and balance are what we seek to achieve and so picking time is of utmost importance. We pick just as flavours are approaching their peak rather than let them get over-ripe. We retain whole berries in the ferment for vibrancy and we press relatively early to avoid astringent tannins.

Tasting

The nose shows an array of perfumed characters such as violets, oregano & thyme, along with glacé cherry aromas. Sweet ripe cherry fruit dominates the front palate which then develops into a more savoury wine, showing earthiness, toasted spices and lovely dried herb characters.

Alcohol:13.5%

Total  Acidity: 5.78g/l

pH: 3.74

Residual Sugar: <1g/l

SO2: 69mg/l

Fining:None

Vegan: Yes

Vegetarian: Yes