The Cartographer 2006

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot

History: Comte Francois de Rosily was a French navigator and cartographer, who in 1772 prepared the first chart of Flinders Bay in Australia's south west. On the same voyage, the captain of his ship claimed possession of the south west of Australia on behalf of France. As proof of this claim, Rosily prepared a chart showing where a bottle containing a parchment and two coins was buried.

Bordeaux Blend: Some years ago, we changed this wine's name from "Cabernet Merlot" to "The Cartographer". This was to enable our winemaker, Mike Lemmes, to assemble the perfect blend of the "bordeaux" varieties each vintage, without being constrained by labelling technicalities. Future blends of the Cartographer may see Petit Verdot return, as well as Malbec (which we hope to trial). Potentially the Cartographer may therefore be a blend of up to five Bordeaux varieties.

» Tasting Notes

Appearance

Clear, bright, medium deep red with a slight purple hue.

Nose

Clean and fresh mix of red berries, earth and lightly toasted vanillin oak.

Palate

Displays dark cherry, plum, chocolate and blackcurrant flavours with a distinct earthy edge. It is a medium bodied wine that will cellar for six to eight years from the release date.

Cellaring

To 2016

» Technical Data

Amount

Cabernet Sauvignon 56%, Merlot 22%, Cabernet Franc 20%, Petit Verdot 2%

Cropping Level

Cabernet Sauvignon – 2.2 tonne/acre, Merlot – 1.76tonne/acre, Cabernet Franc – 1.75tonne/acre, Petit Verdot 0.87 tonne/acre

Harvest Dates

Cabernet Sauvignon – 8th, 14th, and 23rd of April 2006, Cabernet Franc – 15th of April, Merlot – 8th and 19th of April, Petit Verdot 14th April (all by hand)

Alcohol/Volume

14.0%

Oak Treatment

18 months maturation in French oak (30% new)

» Production History

2000:220 cases 2001:1500 cases 2002:990 cases 2003:705 cases 2004:900 cases, 2005: 700 cases, 2006: 600 cases.