Introduction:
The 2018 Château Tanunda “50 Year Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful yet refined expression of Barossa Valley Cabernet, sourced from low-yielding, mature vineyards that deliver depth, concentration, and structure. This wine highlights the intensity of old-vine fruit while maintaining balance through disciplined winemaking, offering a rich, age-worthy style emblematic of premium Barossa Cabernet.

Terrior:
The fruit is drawn from select Barossa Valley vineyards planted over 50 years ago, where deep-rooted vines thrive in ancient, well-drained soils of clay loam, ironstone, and sandy components. These soils naturally limit vigor, producing small berries with concentrated flavors. Barossa’s warm Mediterranean climate ensures full phenolic ripeness, while cooler evening temperatures help retain acidity, giving the wine both power and composure.

Appearance:
Opaque deep garnet with a dark purple-black core and slow, pronounced legs. The wine shows remarkable density and youthful saturation, reflecting both vine age and vintage concentration.

Nose:
Intense and complex, with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark plum layered with eucalyptus, bay leaf, and dried herbs. Secondary notes of cedar, graphite, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate emerge from oak integration and bottle age, adding sophistication and depth.

Palate:
Full-bodied and firmly structured, with concentrated dark fruit framed by muscular yet refined tannins. Cassis, black cherry, and mulberry dominate, supported by savory herbal tones, graphite minerality, and well-judged oak flavors of cedar, clove, and baking spice. Despite its power, the wine maintains balance through fresh acidity and fine tannin management.

Finish:
Long, persistent, and authoritative, with lingering dark fruit, savory spice, and drying tannins. The finish is layered and mineral-tinged, signaling excellent aging potential.

Food Pairings:

• Meat: Grilled ribeye steak; slow-braised beef cheeks; rosemary-crusted lamb rack

• Vegetarian: Mushroom and lentil ragù; roasted eggplant with miso glaze; black truffle risotto

• Charcuterie Board: Aged cheddar; pecorino; bresaola; rosemary-marinated olives

Overall Impression:
Integrating its old-vine Barossa terroir, inky appearance, deeply layered aromatics, powerful yet composed palate, and long, structured finish, the 2018 Château Tanunda “50 Year Old Vines” Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, age-worthy wine built for serious food pairings. Best suited to red meats and richly flavored dishes, it delivers classic Barossa intensity with polish and restraint.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.5%
Farming Practices: Estate-sourced old vines; sustainably managed vineyards
Producer Name: Château Tanunda
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: Australia
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2018
Wine Style: Still red; full-bodied; structured; age-worthy
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional fermentation; extended maceration; maturation in French and American oak barrels
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Bordeaux-style bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:

• Château Tanunda producer technical notes and estate information
• Barossa Valley viticultural and regional references