‘Cuvée de Chais’ loosely translates as Cellar Blend and is Adrian’s interpretation of a traditional Bordeaux blend or ‘Claret’. Adrian believes when it comes to Bordeaux varieties, the sum is greater than its parts.

Cabernet Sauvignon provides the tannin, length and structural backbone, Merlot contributes ‘the fuzzy ball of fruit’ in the mid-palate, Cabernet Franc provides fragrant red fruits and savouriness. Petit Verdot adds perfume and acid line to the finish.Cabernet Sauvignon was crushed and de-stemmed whereas the other four varieties incorporated more whole berries.

During fermentation, the timing and combination of pump-overs, “rack and returns”, pigeage and plunging was to preserve aromatics and perfume yet extract adequate tannins for structure and length, depending on the variety. Post-fermentation, the Cabernet Sauvignon was held on skins for a further 15 days than the other varieties. All wines were pressed to French oak barriques (36% new) for 15 months.

The 2023 Cuvée de Chais consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (14%), Petit Verdot (12%), and Cabernet Franc (9%).
The wine was bottled without fining or filtration.