By Adrian Thomas
Boutique vineyard Patina Wines has released a vintage 2006 Patina Cabernet Sauvignon which is now available in its local Orange region and in selected Australian restaurants.
The vintage wine was produced by Patina Wine's Gerald Naef who matured the wine for almost 10 years before offering it for sale.
With a $30 RRP, the 2006 Patina Cabernet Sauvignon is a rarity in today's restaurant scene, with Gerald Naef saying: "Our restaurant customers and visitors to the Cellar Door are really appreciating the fact that the wine has been cellared for them.
He added: "It's not often that you come across a 2006 vintage unless you've cellared it yourself."
Naef explained that the reasoning behind the vintage wine is that "the cold climate and intense sunshine produces Cabernet Sauvignon with intense fruit, high natural acidity and good tannin structure.
"These wines need time, time to integrate and soften these natural tannins."
The winery stated that "one of its principles is to ensure that the wines released are starting to show their potential." In a long process, the vintage Cabernet Sauvignon was cold soaked after being crushed to ensure a thorough extraction of its blackberry flavours, pressed off skins and then left to mature in French and new American oak.
Patina Wines are currently available in Sydney, Queensland, Canberra and are sold from the winery or via Patina's website.
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