Product Info:
Lake's Folly Cabernets is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Shiraz made from low-yielding, estate-grown, hand-picked fruit. The fruit is open-fermented producing softer, more subtle tannins, and then transferred to large format casks for six months for settling, and then into small French oak barriques (new, one-year-old and two-year-old) for approximately one year before bottling. Excellent long-term cellaring potential of up to 20 years, depending on the vintage.
Maker:
Established in 1963 by Doctor Max Lake, Lake's Folly was the first new vineyard in the Hunter Valley last century. In early 2000 Lake's Folly was purchased by Peter and Lee Fogarty and family who, along with Hunter-born and bred winemaker, Rodney Kempe, have continued to maintain the integrity and direction of this significant vineyard.
There is an old saying that the wine is made in the vineyard (good fruit makes good wine). Most of the Lakes Folly Cabernet vines are now more than 50 years old. This means that over the years, the vines have ‘self-regulated’. This natural low cropping gives the grapes better consistency of flavour. The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat and south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit, and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years. Maintaining a true ‘estate’ philosophy allows Lakes Folly to fully express the terroir of this particular site.
Crop levels are also critical in achieving complexity. Needless to say, growing all their own fruit at the Folly enables them to be super diligent in achieving these goals, the weather having the last say on the fruit intensity for a particular year. With the old vines, low crop levels, and good canopy management, we are consistently presented with above average fruit. Throw in some traditional winemaking, French oak and you have a unique distinguished single site wine. Their two flagship wines, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay, are made in limited quantities and are grown, vintaged, and made on the estate. The wine styles are restrained and elegant, showing finesse and complexity. They have clarity of structure and great length of flavour.
Vineyard:
There is an old saying that the wine is made in the vineyard (ie good fruit makes good wine). Most of our Cabernet vines are now more than 50 years old. This means that over the years, the vines have ‘self-regulated’. This natural low cropping gives the grapes better consistency of flavour. The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat and south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit, and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years. Maintaining a true ‘estate’ philosophy (ie grown, vintaged and bottled on the estate) allows us to fully express the terroir of this particular site.
Crop levels are also critical in achieving complexity (not to mention canopy management, irrigation etc). Needless to say, growing all our own fruit at the Folly enables us to be super diligent in achieving these goals, the weather having the last say on the fruit intensity for a particular year. With the old vines, low crop levels, and good canopy management, we are consistently presented with above average fruit. Throw in some traditional winemaking, French oak and you have a unique distinguished single site wine.
Nose - Lifted, Black Cherries, Chocolate
Incredibly lifted nose, black cherries and chocolate, and hints of plums.
Palate - Rich, Cigar Box, Earth
The palate is rich, soft and silky with perfect soft tannins, even at this stage. Fruit dominant palate of delicious black cherries, plums and hints of cigar box and slight earthiness.
Finish - Savoury, Subtle Oak, Soft Tannins
Oak is supportive but not apparent. An outstanding vintage that will rank amongst the greatest Cabernets made here.
An estate-grown 61/18/13/8% blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, petit verdot and merlot. Great terra rossa soil, 50-year-old vines, and a top vintage have been putty in the hands of Rodney Kempe. Bright, clear crimson hue; there is a profusion of blackcurrant/cassis, black olive, spice and red cherry fruit, French oak seen but not heard, tannins so ultra-fine they are heard but not seen. Drink to 2036. - James Halliday (March 2013), 96 Points.
(Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz / Petit Verdot / Merlot) Deep red/purple, very youthful, bright colour. Leathery earthy, somewhat animal aromas, possibly a Hunter Valley provenance asserting itself. Dried banana oak-derived elements, too. Medium-bodied and quite intense in the mouth, with a long palate and ample powdery tannins. Very young and needs time, but is full of promise. (50th Anniversary wine, 1963-2013) Postscript: another bottle tasted on 3/4/17 was badly cork-tainted. - Huon Hooke, The Real Review.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon 61%, Shiraz 18%, Petit Verdot 13%, Merlot 8%
Country - Australia
Region - Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Vintage - 2011
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
