Etranger Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The Colonial Estate
Barossa Valley, South Australia
88% Cabernet Sauvignon
12% Shiraz
The prime terroir that makes up the ‘Northern Arc’ of the Barossa Valley lends itself to the production of Cabernet Sauvignon. Handpicked grapes are given the full triage treatment and rotation pumped during fermentation before being aged in French oak. Inky black, deep flavoured wine.
Selected blocks of single-wire trellis vines from Marananga and Stockwell in the Barossa Valley were blended for this wine. Viticultural techniques included minimal irrigation, low cropping and canopy management to maximise fruit maturation under optimum conditions. When judged flavour-ripe the grapes were handpicked into shallow trays.
The wine is rotation pumped during primary fermentation and also during the maceration period, which may be up to 3 weeks, after which the wine is run-off into French barrels. The wine then spends 12 months on average in a blend of new, one and two year old French oak casks.
Deep purple colour with a slightly bluish hue. Fresh, spicy blackcurrants with a touch of minty liquorice contribute to this classic cabernet nose. Firm, fruity tannins provide backbone, which is well fleshed out and long.
94, Robert Parker
Not surprisingly, the blockbuster 2005 Etranger Cabernet Sauvignon boasts lovely purity, superb ripeness, and stunningly rich black currant, licorice, cedar, espresso roast, and spice characteristics. With great length, medium to full body, fabulous purity, and a long, sweet, tannic finish, it should evolve beautifully for 10-12 years and last for two decades. Drink 2006-2026
93, Stephen Tanzer
Inky violet. Minty cassis and blackberry on the nose, with an array of floral, herbal and mineral qualities adding interest. Deep and sweet but structured, with powerful dark berry and bitter cherry flavors, firm tannic grip and superb finishing thrust. Gains in sweetness with air but remains balanced, offering a beautifully judged interplay of fruit and tannin.
