2016 Oakdene Bernard’s Single Vineyard Bellarine Peninsula Cabernets

63% cabernet franc, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot cofermented and matured for 16 months in French barriques

(30% new). A co-fermented blend of these three varieties is unusual, with different ripening patterns, but made to look oh-so easy here. It is full of juicy fruit, the new clones of merlot Q45-14 and 8R making a disproportionate contribution to the intense flavours. The tannin structure is immaculate, the oak contribution likewise. Something special, the cabernet franc happily accepting the support of the lesser quantities of the other varieties. 13.4% alc.