Fans of Voyager Estate’s The Modern Cabernet Sauvignon will be in familiar territory here: this is chief winemaker Tim Shand’s post-Modern, so to speak. The blend comprises Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (37%), Petit Verdot (4%), Malbec (3%) and Cabernet Franc (2%). The backbone of this wine comes from three of Voyager’s most impressive Cabernet blocks, all of which lie on gravelly soils and are farmed organically. Two clones make up the mix: the Houghton clone gives fruit on the darker end of the spectrum, while 125 is prized for its lighter fruit profile, perfume and delicate structure. Merlot brings a plush mid-palate, while the remaining varieties bolster structure, perfume and depth. It’s a delicious combination.
The parcels were picked between 29th March and 12th April and fermented separately in a combination of open fermenters and concrete vats with gentle daily pumpovers. The wine matured predominantly in French barriques (10% new) for nine months, with select components aging in concrete to enhance purity and freshness.