THREE DARK HORSES THE BANDY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018

Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2019

Superb follow-up release to the NZIWS Trophy winning 2016 vintage (There was none made in 2017)

Three Dark Horses is the project the of former Coriole winemaker Matt Broomhead with his father Alan and 90 year old grandfather Frank – the Three Dark Horses. Their focus is on producing small batch, hand made, and affordable wines of character sourcing grapes from old vines throughout the McLaren Vale.

Best described as a "Blockbuster" – it is inky dark (glass staining) with flavours of vanilla and dark berry compote.Warming and inviting with a big, mouthfilling palate, totally over delivering for the price. The words 'sumptuous and generous' easily come to mind. 

Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"Lifted aromas of black fruits, choc mint and wood spice. Flavours of blackberry and blackcurrant. Choc mint also plays a role. Medium to full bodied but soft through the palate with fine grained tannins and a subtle spice finish to close. Cellaring potential: 5+ years.

McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon from the Home Block, Schuller Rd (Blewitt Springs) hand-picked and Hancock (Chalk Hill Rd closer to McLaren Vale township) machine harvested. Vine age: 20 and 50 years (Home) and 40 years (Hancock). 7 day open ferment with regular pump overs. Basket pressed. 14 months in French and American oak (20% new). Bottled without fining."

5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2019 (2018 Vintage)
"It is gorgeously fruited and richly expressed on the nose showing crème de cassis, vanilla, roasted hazelnut and chocolate characters with elegant spicy nuances. The palate delivers excellent fruit power and opulence backed by fine-grained tannins, leading to a lengthy comforting finish. Highly enjoyable. At its best: now to 2028."