In the 1850’s Punt Road was a quiet dirt road that met the Yarra River on the outskirts of a new settlement, Melbourne. The road was surrounded by some of the first commercial vineyards in Victoria, and was linked across the river by a punt, which would ferry people and goods to the other side. Punt Road remains today in the heart of cosmopolitan Melbourne. A bridge now stands where the punt once was, and the vineyards have been re-established throughout the Yarra Valley, where the grapes for this wine are grown today.

Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the outstanding Napoleone and Briarty Hill Vineyards in Coldstream. Both vineyards were planted in the late 1980’s and are renowned for producing outstanding fruit.

Spring rains replenished water supplies and kicked off the growing season in good fashion. Flowering and fruit set occurred during ideal conditions. The hot spell from January onwards allowed fruit to develop ripe flavours whilst maintaining acid levels.

Fermentation took place in small static fermenters. Colour and flavour extraction was maximised through regular cap management during fermentation. A small portion of this wine completed fermentation in seasoned French oak hogsheads.

The wine was allowed 12 months maturation in new and seasoned French oak.

“The 2001 Punt Road Cabernet Sauvignon has a bright purple-red colour and was made in a full bodied, elegant style. Classic cassis, blackberry and licorice characters dominate the aromas and flavours of this cool climate Cabernet. These flavours are balanced by charry oak and a long, lingering finish. I have no doubts this wine will develop nicely over the next 10 years.”