2021 Balnaves The Blend

A plush, approachable and seriously well-priced take on the classic Coonawarra red blend

Price:
Sale price$22.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
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Description

The Balnaves family has been in the region since the mid-1800s, and they’ve been farming that famous Terra Rossa strip for decades. While they make some serious, long-lived reds, 'The Blend' is really their way of showing a more relaxed side of the estate.

2021 was a milder season, which allowed the fruit to hang around a bit longer and develop some real depth without getting too heavy. It's a mix of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot, and because it only sees a tiny bit of new oak, the fruit really gets to lead the way.

It’s got that classic Coonawarra profile - think blackcurrants, a bit of spice, and an earthy, coffee-grind savouriness - but the tannins are plush and friendly. It’s not a wine you need to lock away for a decade to enjoy; it's tailor-made for a Sunday roast or just a reliable mid-week glass that over-delivers on quality.

This is the perfect entry point if you want to see what top-tier Coonawarra is all about without the hefty price tag.

93 points - "This is 50% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 10% petit verdot; matured in 13% new French oak for 11 months. Blackcurrant, tonka bean and wet coffee grinds. A touch of violet and cassis. Nigella seed, clove and black pepper. Oak gathers the deeply dense black fruit in its embrace, and the wine concludes with a tailored dry finish. Plush and well structured." - Shanteh Wale (Halliday Wine Companion)

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
33%
(2)
67%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
T
Thomas Q.
Easy drinking

More medium bodied than their straight Cabernet. Dark black fruit with definite evidence of oak, but the finish is long and dry. Great value at this price point and as its 2019 it would be entering its prime.

L
Lesley v.S.
Good wine and well priced

This wine is consistently good, and well priced.

B
Brad
Coonawarra bargain

Medium bodied with a mix of red and black fruits. Balanced. Freshness a highlight but not without structure. Hard to find a better wine than this at this price point in Coonawarra.

D
Davey J.D.
Classic satisfying blend

Black fruits and cedar

A
Alastair H.
Value

Bang for buck!
Distinctly Coonawarra

2021 was an outstanding vintage. Th¬e mild growing season resulted in considerable depth of colour and flavour in the wines. ¬The 2021 Blend is 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, matured in 13% new French oak for 11 months.

Region
Coonawarra, South Australia

Vintage
2021

Type
Red Wine

Variety Composition
50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot

Volume
750ml

Alcohol Volume
14%

pH
3.42

Acidity
5.82g/L

Maturation
11 months in 13% new French Oak

Closure
ScrewCap

Background
The Balnaves Coonawarra Vineyard was established in 1975 and is situated at the southern end of the Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. The family, which has been associated with the district since 1855, remains fully committed to a high level of ‘hands-on’ involvement.

Winemaking
2021 was an outstanding vintage. The mild growing season resulted in considerable depth of colour and flavour in the wines.

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type Red
Body Full Bodied
Variety Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety Style ["Cabernet Blends"]
Country Australia
Region Coonawarra
Australian State SA
Critic Score 93
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2021
Closure Screw Cap

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