Henry's Drive Pillar Box Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2010

Winery: Henry's Drive

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

By far and away the most recognized and widely grown red wine grape varietal in the world is the Cabernet Sauvignon. First cultivated in the 18th century in France, this wonderful cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes has long since been the most important varietal for red wines across the globe. Now grown everywhere from its native France to the furthest reaches of the New World, Cabernet Sauvignon is adored and prized by wineries for its hardiness and resistance to rot, as well as its large and sharp flavors and wonderful capability for fine aging Indeed, many of the finest wines of history and the modern age would be simply unimaginable without Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with the famed wineries of Bordeaux and other important regions using it as the primary grape in their oak aged produce. High tannin levels, acidity and powerful flavors are the characteristics most commonly associated with this varietal, however, when blended and slowly aged, it is capable of a world of flavors and aromas unmatched by any other grape.

Region: Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast in Southern Australia has long since been an important wine producing region for the country, with almost one third of all Australian wines being produced there. The region benefits enormously from its coastal position, enjoying a cool maritime climate for much of the year, complete with brisk ocean breezes which help the grapes ripen slowly and fully. Many of the highest quality wines of Australia are made in this special region, most notably the excellent Cabernet Sauvignon wines made from Limestone Coast grapes. However, grapes of both colors grow exceptionally well in the mineral rich soils of Limestone Coast, and wineries have for many decades experimented successfully with a range of grape varietals, making it an interesting and exciting region for wine makers and drinkers alike.

Country: Australia

Whilst every Australian state has some level of wine production, it is in South Australia and on the island of Tasmania where the finest wines are made to the highest quantities. Here, the scorching Australian sun is a little tamer, and the heat is tempered by brisk oceanic winds, making the climate of these regions ideal for vineyard cultivation. The Tamar Valley on Tasmania has been making waves internationally in recent years, as both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varietals are thriving there and resulting in hugely flavorful wines, which are at once distinctly Australian, yet remain unique and interesting enough to surprise and impress. Elsewhere in the country, the Syrah grape (known locally as Shiraz) reigns supreme, as the long, hot summers allow these grapes to ripen fully and lend their intensely fruit-forward character to the ruby red Australian wines, which have such international appeal.