2021 Bleasdale Frank Potts Cabernet Blend

The founder, the highly inventive, industrious and resourceful Frank Potts (1815 - 1890), to whom this wine is dedicated, was a 19th century genius, and a pioneer who has been described as being “made of the right stuff and well worthy of the grand old land that gave him birth.” He arrived in Australia as a 21 year old, having set sail from Plymouth England, and landing late in 1836. By the 1860’s, he had planted the original 30 acres of vineyard on the banks of the Bremmer Creek. Potts was highly admired - “One meets with extraordinary characters through life, but I doubt whether his equal could be found. In appearance a stranger would take him to be a poor labourer, with a thin, spare figure and long unkempt hair and invariably wearing his shirt sleeves tucked up. Although a most uncouth-looking person, and yet this man is a perfect genius! There is not a single thing mechanical or otherwise undertaken by him which he does not succeed in...” So remarked Inspector Tolmer, who was later to become Commissioner of Police, South Australia. Frank was one of the first to recognise the benefits of red gum. After building several houses for himself, he made tools and a bullock dray to cut down and haul these massive timbers in order to construct a gigantic twin wine press and several enormous wine vats. He also created the irrigation system that's still in place today. What little spare time he might have had was spent building a piano and various race winning yachts!

A triple Trophy winning Cabernet blend that combines rich red to dark fruits with wonderful finesse and polish.

A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in French oak puncheons and hogsheads (25% new) for a period of 12 months. Dense midnight black colour with a deep dark red hue. Sailing out of the glass are delightful red to black currant and red plum scents laced with violets and bay leaf. Also evident are dusty cedar, faint black olive and spicy tobacco notes. Showing wonderful finesse are rich red to dark currant, red plum and mulberry fruits which caress the mid weighted palate with a supple feel. Tobacco, dusty earth and infusions of bay leaf lurk underneath. Polished, seamlessly integrated tannins with a long, refined conclusion. Winner of 3 trophies.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
This is a blend of 68/17/8/6/1% cabernet sauvignon/malbec/petit verdot/merlot. Bright crimson-purple hue heralds a very complex wine that has no need of time thanks to its balance, texture and length. It is an outstanding achievement and offers equally exceptional value for money. Top gold at Royal Adelaide Wine Show ’22, gold at Perth Royal Wine Show Awards ’22. Drink by 2041.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion