Cabernet Sauvignon in the Pyrenees Wine Region, Victoria
Nestled in the western foothills of Victoria, the Pyrenees wine region is a hidden gem in the Australian wine landscape. Known for its picturesque landscapes and cool-climate conditions, the Pyrenees has gained a reputation for producing some of the country’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon. This elegant varietal thrives in the region’s unique terroir, where the combination of altitude, climate, and soil creates the perfect conditions for crafting world-class wines.
The Allure of Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the “king of red wines,” and for good reason. This noble grape is known for producing wines that are powerful yet refined, with a structure that allows them to age gracefully over time. In the Pyrenees, Cabernet Sauvignon takes on a distinctive character, offering a unique expression of the region's terroir.
Wines from this area are typically full-bodied with firm tannins and vibrant acidity, showcasing an array of dark fruit flavours such as blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry. These are often complemented by earthy undertones, hints of eucalyptus, and subtle oak influences. The result is a wine that is both robust and elegant, with a complexity that makes it a favorite among collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Dalwhinnie: High Altitude Pyrenees
At 595 meters above sea level, the Dalwhinnie estate is the highest and most remote vineyard in the region. This elevation, combined with our vineyard’s ancient soils, contributes to the exceptional quality of our Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.
This altitude and the region's cool winters, warm summers, and long growing season provide an ideal environment for the slow ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in grapes that are rich in flavour yet retain a vibrant acidity - key elements in crafting a balanced and age-worthy wine.
Dalwhinnie Cabernet Sauvignon: A Wine of Distinction
With each vintage, our team, led by Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy and Viticulturist Sam Bartlett, crafts a wine that is both expressive of its terroir and true to the varietal’s noble characteristics.
Our Cabernet is typically marked by intense dark fruit flavours, layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, and a touch of mint, giving it a distinctive regional character that is both powerful and elegant.
Pairing and Enjoying Dalwhinnie Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes such as grilled meats, lamb roasts, and rich stews. For a truly indulgent experience, pair our Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon with a slow-cooked beef brisket or a classic steak with béarnaise sauce. The wine’s complexity also complements mature cheeses, making it a great choice for a cheese board to finish off a meal.
When it comes to serving, Cabernet Sauvignon is best enjoyed at room temperature, ideally around 16-18°C. Decanting the wine for about an hour before serving can help to open up its rich aromas and soften the tannins, allowing you to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the wine.
2020 Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon
"It's easy enough to list the flavours: spearmint, boysenberry, dark chocolate and pure blackcurrant, but it's the arrangement and more so the flamboyant flourish of them that really impresses. This is Dalwhinnie in dynamic good form. Integrated tannin ripples through the back half of the wine, as do sweet woodsmoke characters, and the finish is full of running and then some."
- 96 Points, Halliday Wine Companion 2024
2018 Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon
"The 2018 Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon is fleshy and bright in the glass, but the fruit - succulent as it is - is underpinned by a foundation of rock and minerals. The tannins are firm for sure; they frame the wine and assist the fruit in its journey across the palate. Polished yet with an open weave and complex in a black way, this is a bit of a marvel."
- 95 Points, Robert Parker Wine Advocate 2022