Stepping Stone determine the precise time to harvest their Cabernet grapes on the basis of complete flavour development and tannin ripeness. The Father Woods property, from which much of the fruit will be sourced, is located at the northern end of the Coonawarra
Terra rossa strip. The site is meticulously managed and stands out as the largest hand pruned vineyard within Coonawarra. Stepping Stone is the complete Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, with a full palate of sweet blackberry fruit, judicious, integrated oak and ripe, smooth tannins.
Stepping Stone is a reference to the gradual acquisition of land by settlers. Similarly, when making wine, Stonehaven's team traverse the Coonawarra and Limestone Coast from one vineyard to the next, selecting only those parcels of fruit which can best reflects the endowments of mother nature. The task is focused on wines with solid structure and powerful fruit, supportive tannins and integrated oak, the very hallmarks of good Cabernet Sauvignon. The batches are brought back to the estate wineworks, where they are sent to the crusher and transferred into fermenters for inoculation and vinification. Maturation in oak allows the wine to develop structure and further character, to complement the fruit flavours without dominating.
TASTING NOTESVibrant crimson colour with purple hues. Shows rich varietal characters of blackberry and currant, dark chocolate and hints of mint. Vibrant varietal palate with ripe dark berry flavours, fine tannins and soft creamy oak. To be enjoyed alongside grilled meats, duck or lamb.