In the late 1890's the Blue Cutting Road was hand dug by Polish settlers whilst waiting for gainful employment. Blue Cutting Road is situated in the area known today as the Polish Hill River region of the Clare Valley. Not only does this road remain a usable summer bush track connecting two main roads, it dissects the two vineyards that provide valuable, flavoursome fruit for a range of O'Leary Walker wines. Much of the settlers' influences have filtered throughout the beautiful Clare Valley and many of the fruits of their labours are still evident today. We pay homage to their enduring qualities with this wine.

VINTAGE

2010

REGION

Clare Valley

GRAPE VARIETIES

Cabernet Sauvignon 90% Merlot 10%

VINEYARD

Martin Smith - Blue Cutting Road Vineyard

VINIFICATION

These varieties are blended at the crusher and co-fermented in 2 and 4 Tonne open fermenters. The batches are fermented using natural yeast and hand plunged to maximise colour, tannins and flavour. Post ferment, racked to 1 and 2 year old French oak hogsheads to mature and complete malo-lactic fermentation. Racked to tank and filtered prior to bottling.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

pH 3.27 TA 7.45 ALC 14.8%

WINEMAKERS

Nick Walker, David O'Leary, Keeda Zilm

COLOUR

Brilliant plum red with deep purple hues

BOUQUET

Forest fruits, violets, rich mulberry and spice. Complex with hints of French oak and cassis.

PALATE

Rich juicy palate with dark forest fruits, blueberry and mulberry. Mocha and spice from the use of French oak. Great balance and long juicy tannins.

FOOD MATCH

This food friendly wine will be a good match with chicken, steak, duck, lamb, cold meats and antipasto

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Ready to be enjoyed now, this wine will benefit with a further 7-10 years cellaring