‘King Billy’ Cabernet Sauvignon

This year marks the seventh release of our revered King Billy.

In 2019, it was Cabernet Sauvignon from the most mature vines at our Windy Hill and Karri Oak vineyards that was selected for the reserve label. After further assessment in barrel, just five of the finest barriques were chosen to have ‘King Billy’ status.

Aged in French oak for 18 months and bottled in May 2021, the wine was then matured in bottle for just over four years before release. This extended bottle maturation, rather than additional time in oak, has preserved the Cabernet’s vibrant fruit while allowing its secondary characters to evolve. It still has excellent potential for further cellaring.

COLOUR

A mesmerising swirl. Deep dark purple with bright raspberry on the rim.

AROMA

Classic Cabernet, this beauty is rich in dark fruits, think black current jubes and black forest cake sitting alongside thyme, bay leaf, a smidge of old spice and a gentle whiff of pipe tobacco. It should be wearing a smoking jacket, lounging on an old chesterfield in the study.

PALATE

Showing King Billy consistency, this lively 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon encapsulates the Mount Barker, Great Southern characteristics of a classic Cabernet.

An intricate combination of bright red fruits, mulberry, fruit of the forest cherry flavours, and concentrated dark berries, it is an attractive well-balanced, well integrated wine. Vibrant fruit flavours and bright acidity integrates wonderfully with fine dusty savoury tannins and elements of beautiful red dirt – giving us our sense of place.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Drinking superbly now but still quite young, a little more cellaring will reward your patience.