Helen's Hill 2021 Old Orchards Cabernets

Deep garnet in the glass, Old Orchard greets you with aromas of cassis, blackberry and dark cherry, woven through with cedar, clove, and a hint of tobacco leaf. A layered mid-palate unfolds — blackcurrant, plum, a whisper of graphite and dark chocolate. Fine, polished tannins guide the structure while oak spice and mineral drive add lift and texture. The finish is long, firm, and fragrant, promising more to reveal over time.

The five varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot — are co-fermented to create seamless integration and complexity. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to a mixture of 40% new and 1–2-year-seasoned French oak barriques, where it spends 18 months maturing. This extended oak ageing deepens the texture, refines the tannins, and draws out the layers of dark fruit and savoury spice that define the Old Orchard style.

Best enjoyed with dishes that match its depth and texture: slow-roasted lamb shoulder, chargrilled ribeye, or braised beef short ribs. It’s equally at home with hearty vegetarian fare like mushroom risotto or smoky eggplant. Whether shared over a long Sunday lunch or beside a crackling fire, Old Orchard Cabernets invites conversation — and maybe a cheeky second glass.