2006 Tilbrook Sangiovese Cabernet

Lenswood, South Australia

‘Hand made by our hands’ is the minimum-intervention vineyard and winemaking philosophy of James and Annabelle Tilbrook – and one that has proven to produce a range of fine wines. This philosophy started over 10 years ago with the carefully selected vines planted on their cool climate Lenswood vineyard which have low yielding stock to produce wines with plenty of character and individuality.

Sangiovese is a suave Italian varietal that has found a well suited provenance here in Australia. Sourced locally from the Cowper vineyard in Charleston, James Tilbrook has teamed this varietal with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that is often blended with Sangiovese to create the famous ‘Supertuscan’ wines.  To enhance the naturally spicy personality of this wine, it has had 2 years maturing in old oak to mellow out the tannins without adding flavours.

After a month of languishing on skins, the colour is a deep cherry with a satisfyingly firm fleshiness. Deep ripe cherries and spice characters abound in this wine with a hint of game on the finish to complement the sweet fruit. The Cabernet adds just that bit of extra depth and rich concentration than you might expect from a straight Sangiovese. Combined with the supporting firm chalky tannins, zippy acid and medium body of this stylish Italian, it makes a very food friendly dinner companion indeed. Why not try it with comforting traditional Italian fair such as Bolognese or Lasagne or perhaps some spicy sausage and Pecorino.

The Tilbrook Estate Reserve Shiraz 2006 is a juicy finely textured wine with peppery blackberry fruit, liquorice & the warm smooth cinnamon that comes from spending 3 years in very fine French oak. This is also well worth tracking down at the same time.  Drink the Sangiovese young but while smooth and rich already, the Reserve Shiraz is one to also keep in the cellar.

If you are visiting the Cellar door in summer – book a table and enjoy a wood oven pizza while talking to Pippa, the Tilbrook Estate wine dog.

Distribution:  Contact cellar door for details.

Value:  $22 for the Sangiovese Cabernet and $35 for the Reserve Shiraz

Phone + 61 (0)8 8389 5318

 

 

© Lisa Johnston May 2010

Wine Diva Wines of the Month, June 2010