Vintage 2004 was very late ripening with fruit for this wine coming exclusively from 34 year old vines from our Cellar Door block. Bunches were left out to gain tannin ripeness with the fruit harvested at 13.9 baume. The wine was fermented for 7 days on skins then pressed to new oak and matured for 18 months in new Bossuet Allier barriques before bottling in Feb 2006.

This is the first Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon made by Punters Corner. It features an outstanding deep red colour with a complex nose of dark chocolate, spice and ripe dark concentrated berries. The palate is rich and complex with dark prune, soy sauce spice flavours with a rich tannin palate typical of mature vines. This wine will reward careful cellaring for 12 to 15 years. Only 180 dozen made.

2005 Barrel Series 9 Highest Price (Record)  $33,198.75
2005 Tim White  Financial Review  94/100
2005 Campbell Mattinson  Winefront Monthly 90/100

Punters Corner Sovereign Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004; Strong, deep colour; considerably more texture, structure and concentration than the standard varietal version; a very long palate built around blackcurrant fruit and balance tannins. A triumph for the vintage. The first reserve release from Punters Corner. 14.5º alc. Rating 96 Drink 2026 $59.5 Date Tasted Jan 07  James Halliday Wine Companion 2008