Redheads Studio 'Esule' Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015

Winemaking and Drinking

Founded in the late 1990s, Redheads Studio began as a collaborative space for passionate winemakers who sought to break free from traditional constraints. The winery is known for its commitment to sustainable practices and for producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. One of their standout creations is the 'Esule' Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015, a wine that has captivated the palates of wine enthusiasts and critics alike.

Origins of 'Esule' 

The name 'Esule' translates to "Exile" in Italian, symbolizing the wine’s departure from the ordinary and its venture into exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The 2015 vintage of 'Esule' is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, sourced from meticulously tended vineyards in McLaren Vale. This region is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, providing ideal conditions for growing premium Cabernet varieties.

Winemaking 

The 2015 'Esule' was crafted with an emphasis on minimal intervention, allowing the true character of the grapes to shine. The grapes were handpicked at optimal ripeness, ensuring the perfect balance of acidity and sugar. Fermentation took place in small batches, with each varietal fermented separately to retain their distinct characteristics. Post-fermentation, the wine was aged in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barrels for 18 months. This aging process imparted complexity and depth to the wine, with the oak enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering them.

Tasting Notes

The 'Esule' Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015 is a wine of remarkable elegance and sophistication.

• Appearance: In the glass, it presents a deep, ruby-red color with a garnet hue, indicative of its aging potential.
• Nose: The bouquet is intense and layered, offering aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry, intertwined with hints of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of green pepper from the Cabernet Franc. There are also subtle notes of vanilla and spice, a testament to its time in oak.
• Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with fine-grained tannins that provide a velvety texture. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings robust flavors of dark fruit and cassis, while the Cabernet Franc adds elegance with its red fruit profile and herbal nuances. The mid-palate is rich and complex, leading to a long, persistent finish with a delightful minerality and balanced acidity.
• Finish: The finish is long and memorable, leaving a lingering impression of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of sweet spice.

Awards and Accolades

The 'Esule' Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015 has garnered acclaim from wine critics and competitions worldwide. Among its accolades, it received:

• Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge
• 93 points from Wine Spectator
• 94 points from James Halliday's Wine Companion

These awards underscore the wine's exceptional quality and its standing as one of Redheads Studio's flagship offerings.

The Vineyard

The vineyards that produce the grapes for 'Esule' are situated in the heart of McLaren Vale, a region celebrated for its diverse soil types and microclimates. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted in sandy loam soils, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the intensity of the fruit. The Cabernet Franc vines thrive in slightly cooler pockets, where the soil composition includes clay and limestone, imparting a distinct minerality to the grapes. Sustainable viticulture practices, including organic farming methods and minimal use of chemical inputs, ensure the health of the vines and the surrounding ecosystem.

Conclusion

Redheads Studio 'Esule' Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015 is a testament to the winery's dedication to producing wines of character and distinction. From its carefully selected vineyard sites to its meticulous winemaking process, 'Esule' exemplifies the artistry and innovation that define Redheads Studio. This wine not only captures the essence of McLaren Vale but also stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when tradition meets creativity in the world of winemaking.