2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Estate Grown)

Technical Details

Harvest Date 13 March 2021 | Alcohol 14.3% | Standard Drinks 8.5

Wine Makers

Ben Dahlenburg, Mark Kelly
Eldorado Rd

Maturation

The wine was matured for 20 months in French oak hogsheads, with 25% new barrels and 75% seasoned (2–5 years old), allowing the oak to support the wine’s structure without overwhelming its natural fruit character. Prior to fermentation, the grapes underwent a cool soak for three days, gently extracting aroma and flavour. Fermentation then proceeded over ten days at a controlled temperature of 28°C, followed by an extended five-day period on skins to build depth, texture, and colour.
This careful process results in a wine with supple tannins, layered complexity, and a richness that reflects both the vineyard and the patience of the winemaking craft.

Background

Cabernet Sauvignon was the first variety planted at Mt Pilot Estate in 1995, marking the beginning of our vineyard journey. The vines were initially grafted onto two rootstocks, Paulsen and Swartzman. During the severe drought from 2005 to 2009, the Swartzman-planted vines struggled, while those on Paulsen rootstock demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving up to five years without irrigation through some of the hottest summers on record.
To strengthen the vineyard for future dry seasons, a replanting program using Ruggeri rootstock has filled these gaps, ensuring the vineyard is well-adapted to variable conditions. Yields remain deliberately light, with vines cropping at approximately 2,500 kg/ha, encouraging concentration and intensity in the fruit. The vines are spur-pruned, with canopy management carefully designed to balance exposure and protection — the western side allowed to sprawl for shade from the harsh afternoon sun, and the eastern side lifted on wires to capture the gentle morning light.
As the vines mature, they reward patience: the resulting wines reveal greater depth, intensified character, rich flavour, and refined tannin structure, reflecting both the vineyard’s resilience and the care taken in every growing season.

Vintage

The 2021 vintage in Eldorado was defined by a cool, consistent growing season, resulting in wines of elegance, balance, and bright natural acidity. Mild temperatures through spring and summer encouraged slow, even ripening, allowing grapes to develop expressive aromatics while retaining freshness and structure.
This vintage produced wines that are approachable in their youth, yet possess the depth and structure to age gracefully. The region’s unique terroir — with its rocky soils, warm days, and cool nights — is reflected in the wines’ intensity and nuanced character.
Eldorado’s 2021 reds and whites show excellent varietal definition, vibrant fruit concentration, and the hallmark balance that this region consistently delivers. It is a vintage that rewards both early enjoyment and careful cellaring.

Wine Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deep, velvety burgundy hue, inviting the eye before revealing its layered complexity. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, offering generous fruit sweetness, supple tannins, and impressive length. Classic Cabernet aromas of blackcurrant are complemented by subtle notes of green bell pepper, fresh mint, and tomato leaf, reflecting both the vineyard’s character and the 2021 vintage.
Careful attention in the vineyard and meticulous winemaking, including maturation in fine French oak, have produced a wine of elegance, structure, and harmony. This Cabernet is ideal when paired with richly flavoured red meats such as fillet of beef, chargrilled steak, venison, or slow-cooked lamb shanks, enhancing both the wine and the meal.

Cellaring Potential

A Very Good Vintage to 2033, some cellaring will be rewarded.