Winemaking and Drinking
Churchview Bartondale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Nestled in the gently rolling hills of southeastern Australia, Churchview Wines has quietly earned a reputation for crafting Cabernet Sauvignon that marries expressive fruit, structural finesse, and cellar worthy longevity. The 2018 Bartondale Cabernet Sauvignon epitomizes this ethos an elegant yet bold single estate wine that showcases both its terroir and the owner’s commitment to classic styling.
Origins & Vineyard Philosophy
The Churchview estate was established in the early 2000s by a small family deeply passionate about cabernet capable of refinement. Located on stony slopes with clay loam soils, the site benefits from warm days and cooling evening sea breezes, creating an ideal diurnal rhythm that gently ripens tannins and preserves vibrant acidity. The Bartondale parcel, named for an old cattle grazing paddock on the property, sits on mid‑slope elevations with slightly gravelly subsoil well suited to low yielding Cabernet vines.
The 2018 growing season was marked by a dry spring and moderate summer heat, allowing fruit to develop slowly without overripeness. Churchview’s minimal intervention regime saw hand harvesting, small batch fermentations with indigenous yeasts, gentle extraction to preserve structure, and maturation in largely seasoned French oak barriques for 18 months. No filtration was used, ensuring full retention of texture and flavor nuance.
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Bartondale pours a deep garnet-red with a purple sheen. On the nose, it reveals classic Cabernet aromas of blackcurrant leaf, cedar, graphite, and hints of dried herb and plum. The palate delivers intense dark fruit blackcurrant, ripe blueberry, and cassis layered with earthy forest floor and tobacco. The tannins are fine grained and structured, balancing a bright, mouthwatering freshness. The oak is lean and integrated, imparting subtle spice and mocha without overshadowing fruit. The finish is long, with lingering bramble berry, dry spice, and a hint of minerality, inviting further cellaring for at least a decade.
Awards & Accolades
Though modest in production, the 2018 Bartondale Cabernet has quietly impressed critics and collectors alike. It earned a regional gold medal at a respected national wine show, drawing praise for its balance of power and elegance. Reviewers highlighted its “remarkable length,” “fine tannin structure,” and “ageing potential well beyond ten years.” Enthusiast groups and sommeliers have called it “one of the finest expressions of boutique Cabernet coming from the region,” and it featured in several year-end “best of” lists published by serious wine platforms.
A Lasting Legacy
Churchview’s 2018 Bartondale Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a testament to careful site selection, thoughtful winemaking, and the virtues of restraint over exuberance. With layers of savory complexity and ageing capability, it represents not only a milestone vintage for the estate but also a fine example of how Australian Cabernet can be both expressive and enduring an understated jewel waiting to evolve in the cellar.
| Wine Type | Red wine |
| Producer | Churchview Estate |
| State | Western Australia |
| Region | Margaret River |
| Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Year | 2018 |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Alcohol | 14% |
