In early March, we hand harvested 6 tonnes of Cabernet sauvignon from our cane pruned, lower yielding section of our Cabernet sauvignon. The grapes were destemmed and very gently crushed prior to fermentation. Throughout fermentation, a range of cap management processes was used in order to extract colour and fine tannin. Once alcoholic fermentation was complete, the tanks were filled and allowed to macerate on their skins for 6 weeks. The post fermentation maceration allowed us to build tannin structure in the wine, without adding bitterness or astringency.The wine was placed in French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation, followed by ageing for 12 months. At the end of the ageing, individual barrels were selected for the final blend. The wine required no further treatment except bottling.While 2017 was a cooler year, our 2017 Alena Cabernet Sauvignon still displays the classic Yarra Valley characteristics of cassis, violets and chocolate. This is all supported by refined tannins and the sweet spice from the oak. The wine is very young, after bottling in July 2018, and will reward time in the cellar.Such a fine, complex wine requires a fine, complex match with food.

The wine displays a complex aroma of lifted violets, red berries and mint with lovely cedary oak. The palate is brimming with rich plums, blackberries and subtle chocolate and earthy notes. The intense flavour is balanced by fine sandy tannins and spicy vanillin oak.

Ponting Wines is a collaboration between one of Australia’s most celebrated cricketers, Ricky Ponting and Ben Riggs, an award-winning Australian winemaker known for uncompromising, high quality wines. Masters of their craft, their partnership has been forged to celebrate their dedication and achievements. “Raising a glass with team mates at the close of play, when the game was done and the crowd was gone, they were the special moments.” - Ricky Ponting This is a wine that honours that tradition and is the perfect ‘finale’ for any get together. “Soft and silky in style, this wine shows generous red berry fruits with touches of mint and clove. Langhorne Creek is famous for wines of pure drinking enjoyment and this is a wine of great character and style.” - Ben Riggs. Food Matching: Fillet Steak.

Allegiance Wines was born from a pledge to produce the highest quality from vine to glass. Sourcing parcels of expressive wines that over-deliver in all facets, the Allegiance Wines commitment is to combine outstanding viticulture and winemaking every vintage.

The Menzies Vineyard, Yalumba's premium Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, was established in the world famous region of Coonawarra in 1975. Just 2 kilometres wide and 20 kilometres long, the Coonawarra terroir is defined by a long, narrow strip of terra rossa soil over limestone - perfect for growing full-bodied, structured Cabernet. Grapes were selected from vines planted between 1975 and 2010.

From a premium vineyard site in Coonawarra – 40-year-old vines. exceptional vintage, 18 months in French oak – this is a spectacular Limited Edition Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts a raft of high point scores, including a rare 97pt rating from the Halliday Wine Companion team who hail the wine’s special value even at its full price of $80 a bottle.