The high trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2021  McLaren Vale, Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)  The Name  This vineyard was planted in the 19th  century, and received its nickname as it  was the first in the region to be trained  above knee height. Over the past four  decades, Cabernet Sauvignon from the High  Trellis vineyard has been released under  the d’Arenberg label to consistent critical  acclaim, and won the coveted Jimmy Watson  trophy at the 1969 Melbourne Wine Show.  The Vintage  The preceding winter was beautifully wet,  flushing the soil of salts and filling the  soil profile. Spring too was above average,  with rainfalls up until November which  was almost completely dry. November was  hotter than normal which upset the setting  of berries. Just as well as the bunch number  was way up. Two inches of rain  in early February was much appreciated  by the relatively large crops. Where crops  where smaller, berry size grew. The heat  produced a fast flowering, set, and speedy  berry development leading to an early  veraison and the equal earliest start of  vintage on record. A few days in a row  around 35°C in February rapidly ripened  early lower cropping vineyards. From then  on, the vintage was mild and dry. Average  temperatures for autumn were down. Some  nice 30°C days late March and early April  helped finish ripening of bigger crops and  late ripening varieties.  Harvest dates  Residual sugar  20 Feb - 22 Apr  1.6 g/l  The Winemaking  Small batches of grapes are gently crushed  and then transferred to five tonne headed  down open fermenters. These batches  remain separate until final blending. Foot  treading is undertaken two thirds of the  way through fermentation. The wine is then  basket pressed and transferred to old French  oak barriques to complete fermentation.The  barrel ferments are aged on lees, and there  is no racking until final blending. This wine  does not undertake fining or filtration prior  to bottling.  The Characteristics  Screams Cabernet. The bouquet displays red  cherry, bay leaf, spices and a hint of black  pepper. A palate of blackcurrant, cedar,  paprika and leafy notes tell the story of  classic McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon.  The multitude of fine welcoming fine  tannins leave you wanting more. A serious  Cabernet for the price that can be enjoyed  anytime with pleasure and confidence.