The Cartographer 2008
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.
Download Tasting Notes for this Wine (PDF)» Tasting Notes
Appearance
Clear, bright, deep ruby red with a slight purple hue.
Nose
Clean and fresh mix of red berries, earth and lightly toasted vanillin oak.
Palate
Reveals cassis,dark cherry,chocolate and blackcurrant flavours with a distinct herbal edge. It displays subtle power and elegance and will cellar for seven to ten years from the release date.
Cellaring
To 2020
» Technical Data
Amount
Cabernet Sauvignon 48%, Cabernet Franc 24%, Merlot 21%, Petit Verdot 7%
Cropping Level
Cabernet Sauvignon – 2.31 tonne/acre, Merlot – 3.38 tonne/acre, Cabernet Franc – 2.54/acre, Petit Verdot 2.55 tonne/acre
Harvest Dates
Cabernet Sauvignon – 18th and 26th of March 2008, Cabernet Franc – 28th of March, Merlot – 31st of March, Petit Verdot 18th March (all by hand)
Alcohol/Volume
14.0%
Oak Treatment
18 months maturation in French oak (30% new)
» Production History
Average production over 9 years is 790 cases. 820 cases were produced of the 2008 vintage
» Reviews / Awards
"This is a slightly more elegant and stylish version than the slightly plumper 2007. It's largely Cabernet Sauvignon although smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot play and important role. Leafy essence of Cabernet on the nose with cedar and blackcurrant and a little spiciness for good measure. The palate is beautifully elegant and finely balanced, with black olive and black currant characters threaded with fine tannin and some lingering minerally touches." - 93 points. Ray Jordan, The West Australian, November 10 2011
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