Item:  6 Bottles of 1994 Lake's Folly Cabernet

Donated By: Alan Balle 

Lake's Folly was the first new vineyard in the Hunter Valley last century, established by Max Lake and his family in 1963. Only two wines are produced, a red (Cabernet blend) and a white (100% Chardonnay), using all estate grown fruit.
The winemaking aspect is very simple. Hand picking, gentle crushing and traditional open fermentation for the reds and barrel fermentation and extended yeast lees contact for the Chardonnay. Judicious use of French oak, small barrel maturation for both, bottling and that's it, no more, no less.
The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat, and
south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years.
Only two wines are made, a White (100% Chardonnay) and a Red (Cabernet blend). The style is restrained and elegant showing finesse and complexity. They have clarity of structure, and a great length of flavour. The Red is a blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Shiraz and Merlot to fill out the middle palate and Petit Verdot (one of the Bordeaux blending varieties)

Tasting Notes

Season – Dry
Colour – Deep crimson
Nose – Berry lift. Some leathery development and forest floor tones. Cashews and violets.
Palate – Lovely balance and development. Ripe tannins and good length of flavour. Still some cherry / berry characters, but giving way to additional aged complex characters. Beginning to drink well.
Alcohol – 12.4 %