MCDXLIX—the name of this wine is taken from the roman numerals for 1449. 1449 is the year that marks the beginning of the Tornielli family. Since then over five centuries of history and family winemaking have culminated in the crafting of these fine contemporary Australian wines.
 
Winemaker: Ed Tornielli
Region: Langhorne Creek
Soil: Sandy loam
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
 
Tasting Notes: If colour tells a story, then this is one of depth and character. Appealing floral notes give nuance to the attractive red fruit so abundant on the nose. Blackcurrant leads an ensemble cast of spices and herbs that act as a perfect foil to this wine’s mesmerizing display of fruit.
 
Vinification: The fruit was crushed into 8 tonne open fermenters and left on skins to cold macerate for three days prior to fermentation. Fermentation occurred at or under 23°C with our Rhône isolate yeast. This helped to extract the skin tannin while maintaining aromatics. The wine underwent its malolactic transformation in oak, was then racked and returned to French and American oak for a 14-month maturation.
 
2015 Vintage: A perfect mild year for Langhorne Creek who pleased both growers and winemakers.
Consistent mild weather and cool nights has rewarded with steady fruit ripening and vibrant flavour development. A lower crop yields favored by a light disease pressure delivered top notch quality. Overall yields for Cab were 5% down on the already reduced 2014 vintage. However, the ripening season has yielded Cabernet of exceptional quality. The Langhorne Creek wine region benefits from cooling afternoon breezes from Lake Alexandrina and this season was no exception. The welcome breezes helped keep overnight temperatures down, enabling fruit to maintain natural acidity.