In the vast world of wine, small projects started from scratch by families who are passionate about their work are highly appreciated by consumers around the world. This is the story of the Balnaves. In 1970, this couple decided to swap their family’s wool shearing business for growing vines in the Coonawarra Rossa Strip of Australia. They started out with 5 hectares and after taking on prestigious winemaker Pete Bissell, this winery became the jewel in the Coonawarra crown. Now, with 47 hectares of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, their Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon wine showcases everything that has made this region so famous. The soils here are rust-coloured and rich in iron, the prestigious Coonawarra “terra rossa” soils. The vineyards are divided into small blocks of between one and two hectares and are vinified separately, checking and recording their quality each year. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks and then the wine is aged for 18 months in fine grain French oak barrels. One of the few fully independent winemaking companies in the region, Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, long-living and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the most collectible Cabernets in the country that is also good for drinking straight away.