Lake's Folly Cabernets 2015

Product Info:
Lake's Folly Cabernets is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Shiraz made from low-yielding, estate-grown, hand-picked fruit. The fruit is open-fermented producing softer, more subtle tannins, and then transferred to large format casks for six months for settling, and then into small French oak barriques (new, one-year-old and two-year-old) for approximately one year before bottling. Excellent long-term cellaring potential of up to 20 years, depending on the vintage. 

I’m not sure there’s anything quite like Lake’s Folly red anywhere else in the world. Very much its own thing. I expect this will turn out to be one of the great ones. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.

Maker:
Established in 1963 by Doctor Max Lake, Lake's Folly was the first new vineyard in the Hunter Valley last century. In early 2000 Lake's Folly was purchased by Peter and Lee Fogarty and family who, along with Hunter-born and bred winemaker, Rodney Kempe, have continued to maintain the integrity and direction of this significant vineyard.

There is an old saying that the wine is made in the vineyard (good fruit makes good wine). Most of the Lakes Folly Cabernet vines are now more than 50 years old. This means that over the years, the vines have ‘self-regulated’. This natural low cropping gives the grapes better consistency of flavour. The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat and south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit, and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years. Maintaining a true ‘estate’ philosophy allows Lakes Folly to fully express the terroir of this particular site.

Crop levels are also critical in achieving complexity. Needless to say, growing all their own fruit at the Folly enables them to be super diligent in achieving these goals, the weather having the last say on the fruit intensity for a particular year. With the old vines, low crop levels, and good canopy management, we are consistently presented with above average fruit. Throw in some traditional winemaking, French oak and you have a unique distinguished single site wine. Their two flagship wines, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay, are made in limited quantities and are grown, vintaged, and made on the estate. The wine styles are restrained and elegant, showing finesse and complexity. They have clarity of structure and great length of flavour.

Vineyard:
There is an old saying that the wine is made in the vineyard (ie good fruit makes good wine). Most of our Cabernet vines are now more than 50 years old. This means that over the years, the vines have ‘self-regulated’. This natural low cropping gives the grapes better consistency of flavour. The terroir, which is a rare combination of volcanic hill, alluvial creek flat and south-easterly aspect, is ideal for the production of fine wines. The vines are pruned heavily for low production high quality fruit, and trellised with vertical shoot positioning, which gives more reliable flavour even in difficult years. Maintaining a true ‘estate’ philosophy (ie grown, vintaged and bottled on the estate) allows us to fully express the terroir of this particular site.

Crop levels are also critical in achieving complexity (not to mention canopy management, irrigation etc). Needless to say, growing all our own fruit at the Folly enables us to be super diligent in achieving these goals, the weather having the last say on the fruit intensity for a particular year. With the old vines, low crop levels, and good canopy management, we are consistently presented with above average fruit. Throw in some traditional winemaking, French oak and you have a unique distinguished single site wine.

Nose - Red Berry, White Pepper, Cedary Oak
The nose has aromas of red berry fruits and dark cherry, with hints of white pepper, which integrate with the perfectly balanced new and seasoned French oak

Palate - Medium, Red Fruits, Balanced
The palate is medium-bodied; red berry fruits dominate with perfect balance of fruit sweetness.

Finish - Structured, Elegant, Hint of Sappiness
Stylish, structured elegant tannin profile and hallmark length of flavour.

Cedary and violet-like aromas of small black, blue and red berries, cedary oak and dried herbs reveal a hint of mineral. Long and gentle, but with a faint edginess, its smooth core of pristine, sweetly ripened small fruits and tight-grained oak finish with just a hint of sappiness. Drink 2023 to 2027. - Jeremy Oliver

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal -  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Hunter Valley
Vintage - 2015
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%