2015 Cato Nebbiolo
$35.00
“Superb structure and length”
Out of stock
Italy’s answer to Pinot Noir for viticulturists; the Holy Grail. Nebbiolo is notoriously difficult to grow, requiring meticulous attention to detail to ensure that flavour doesn’t lose its enduring battle with tannin and acidity. Like Pinot, if done poorly, it can be mediocre at best. However, the marriage of site, clone, season and precision viticulture can deliver results that are truly astonishing and worth all the heartache.
- Vintage: 2015
- Variety: Nebbiolo
- Alcohol:14%
- Region: Hilltops
- Bottle Size: 750ml
- Country: Australia
- Case Size: 12
Awards
Vintage 2017 (soon to be released)
- 93pts – Wine Matrix
- 92pts – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Vintage 2015
- 94pts – James Halliday
- 92pts – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
- GOLD – Canberra Regional Show
- GOLD – Wine Showcase Magazine
Technical & Tasting Notes
VITICULTURE
Among Australia’s first Nebbiolo MAT series clones (propagated from outstanding Barolo sites in North East Italy by Chalmers Nurseries) were planted in 2008. The clones were planted as a field blend in our rocky, sandy free draining soil which has a similar soil profile to Langhe in Italy’s north.
We endured a frustrating seven year start to producing Nebbiolo; we sacrificed multiple vintages in pursuit of better quality fruit. Persistence, relentless investment of time and energy along with a near perfect growing season in 2015 ultimately yielded fruit we were proud to finally release under our Cato label.
WINE MAKING
A gentle pressing with free run juice added to partial whole bunches. Inoculated with yeast strain Lalvin BRL 97 (a Barolo strain chosen for its ability to enhance colour stability, sensory attributes and maintain structure – ideal for potentially long lived wines). Post fermentation the fruit was matured in 2-5 year old French barrels for 12 months.
TASTING NOTES
There’s an enticing and complex bouquet of cherries, violets, roses and licorice. The palate has dark, chewy, long lasting flavours; blackberry, cherries, tobacco and creamy strawberry notes. The palate is mid weight with well placed, finely grounded, chalky tannins. Good acid with a fine long finish.
Reviews
Vintage 2017 (soon to be released)
“Aromas of spice, strong dark fruits, floral notes, complex and intense greet your nose. The palate is full bodied, layered with spice and fine tannins at the front, rich fruit in the middle, balanced by tight acid, leading to a long fruit driven finish. Nebbiolo is still relatively new in Australia. While this wine is true to variety it has a regional twist, enjoy now or keep for five plus years.” – Stephen Read, Wine Matrix
“It is savoury and complex on the nose showing sweet cherry, game, leather and dried herb characters with a touch of cake spice. The palate delivers lovely weight and intensity, well supported by fine texture and firm tannins, leading to a lengthy sturdy finish. At its best: now to 2023.” – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
“.. ruby red and has bramble jelly scents. The front palate features spicy cherry flavour, the middle palate introduces cranberry, mint, cloves and vanilla oak. Berry fruit and peppery tannins show at the finish.” John Lewis, Newcastle Herald
Vintage 2015
“… This is serious heavy duty nebbiolo that will have great appeal to lovers of Italian wine and food…” – James Halliday
“This is spicy, meaty, fruity and beautifully lifted on the nose with dark berry, mature game, floral and leather notes, which lead to an elegantly weighted palate that is engaging and savoury with ripe fruit undertones. This stylish expression displays classic nebbiolo fine/firm tannins, giving the wine superb structure and length.” – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
“…Black fruit and a savoury aspect, akin to tobacco and smoked oak shavings. It all comes together: fruit, tannin and acid to create a harmonious, balanced wine.” Stuart Robinson, Vinsomniac
