Hand picked from the Dead Morris vineyard and co-fermented with 9% petit verdot, this wine was matured for 14 months in 36% new fine-grain Taransaud French oak barriques. A choir of purple-clad gospel singers harmonise through bilberries, blackberries and cherries. There is a swirl of lilac and caraway seed spice that echoes throughout. Acidity is fine-tuned to the powdery, silt-like tannins. It is vibrant, with more savoury, sappy richness this vintage than in the past. This is one hell of a memorable wine. Drink now if you need to taste to believe, and then put a case away for decades to come. -Shanteh Wale – 97 Points, Halliday Wine Companion, published 19 June 2025

About This Wine

2022 was a cool and moderate season. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Dead Morris vineyard (91%) was handpicked on 19 April and co-fermented with 9% Petit Verdot, followed by 16 days of maceration on skins. The wine was matured for 14 months in 36% new fine-grained Taransaud French oak barriques.

About the Winery

Among his many pursuits, Doug Balnaves was a shearer of Merino sheep. The Tally, recorded every two hours, reflected his skill and hard work. The Balnaves family view “The Tally” as the ultimate achievement for their company.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2022
• Grape Variety: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot
• Region: Coonawarra / South Australia / Australia
• Maturation: 14 months in 36% new fine-grained Taransaud French oak barriques
• Alcohol: 14%
• Total Acid: 6.26 g/L
• pH: 3.35
• Standard Drinks: 8.6
  
• Volume: 750ml