Ansted & Osicka
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Balgownie Old Vines
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Bendigo
“Very much like a top Pauillac in it’s prime.”
— Len Evans
“The Australian Lafite.”
— Josh Cooper
“Probably one of the most famous vineyards in Victoria. Stuart Anderson, who is still with us (and making wine) purchased a old farmhouse and paddocks in 1968 outside Bendigo, in Maiden Gully. Vines followed soon after, his passion already burning for the great wines of Bordeaux with inspiration locally from Maurice O’Shea and Max Lake.
The soils are alluvial sand and clay loam overlaying clay and ironstone gravels.
Simon Osicka and Tobias Ansted are long familiar with the region and vineyard. The latter was winemaker at Balgownie Estate, the former a second generation winemaker in Victoria intimately tied up with the history and practices of the region.
Jeni Port, writing for the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion, gave this wine an effusive 97pt score. This is important.
I have found my notes increasingly tending brief of late. This wine speaks of place and classical practice. The product of a legendary vineyard, great fruit, and a near perfect long-ripening vintage for Cabernet. This is an Australian classic. Just as the original bottles made by O’Shea, Lake, and Anderson are all in hot demand in auctions today and opened with as much care as the greats of Bordeaux, as will this bottle stand in 40 years. That is it.”
— David
I
Ansted & Osicka 2024 Bendigo Cabernet Sauvignon 'Balgownie 1970 Block'
(Shelf Price: $69.00)
Offer: $59.00
Order here
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A full, classic garnet in the glass that broods only slightly. Tilting the glass one can just make out ruby highlights, which delight. Bush garrigue dominates when first poured, underscored by dark fruits. There is reticence here; this bodes well. Aeration banishes these mentholated, eucalypt notes and reveals dark cherry, sage, dried orange rind, and balsam cedar. There is a distinct and familiar element, a mineral note that is hard to describe. This is pure terroir speaking through the wine. Something emotional at play. The palate presence here is remarkable, firmly medium bodied with satin like feel and fine, long-limbed tannins that render many other Cabernets granular. Red cherry, candied orange rind, sage and thyme along with hints of tarragon, peonies. The finish unfolds slowly towards eternity (“pli selon pli”) with great minerality, gaining gravitas and impact along the palate; bass notes fill in nicely. This will unfold over decades.
I wanted to write here “Very Pauillac” however I find myself writing: “Very Balgownie”. Excellent.
— David
Black Puma Rising: Balgownie 1970 block. Infamous block of old cabernet. Bendigo is back, big time!
Cassis, dark blackberry stems (apparently they make cordial from the leaves and stems not the fruit) sweet sweet perfume, smells nice! Broody wood spice, some olive brine thing and hot eucalypt, Tres Australien.
This is a young wine, and you can feel the poised power it still has, waiting to be uncoiled. Probably decant it or leave it for 5 years…
There is a certain elegance to this wine, we are tasting it next to (redacted)’s cabernet, and this is a much more refined product. Savoury but sweet berries. I tried fermenting blueberries once in sea salt and this reminds me of that. Very nice cooling effect on the palate. Powdery detailed black tea tannin. Baked earth, ferrous tinged mineral backing.
I'm persuaded.
— Will
Order here
(Link)
If you would like any of the above, would like to come by for a private appointment, or just have some questions — please let us know.