Lakes Folly Cabernet Blend 2024

Here in the Hunter Valley, the single biggest challenge our winemakers face is the weather, particularly at harvest time. Never relegated to small talk for those of us in the wine industry, the weather plays a significant role in what we do and, for the past four Hunter vintages – 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 – we have experienced near-ideal conditions for grape growing.

In 2024, we saw a continuation of the El Nino weather pattern (warmer, drier, drought conditions) on the back of the stellar 2023 vintage. El Nino presented us with perfect conditions during the spring growing season and for the 2024 harvest. However, the lack of moisture in the vineyard resulted in lower-than-average crop yields in 2024, and some of you may recall last year’s release of Chardonnay selling out in a matter of days (something we anticipate occurring with the 2024 Cabernets release, being from the same low-yielding year and of exceptional quality).

After the end of harvest in 2024 and with all our wines safely in barrel, the Hunter experienced a wet period from April through June. The rain laid a perfect foundation for the growing season ahead of Vintage 2025, and the vineyard responded well to the much-needed replenishment of soil moisture. The resulting crop yields for Vintage 2025 were back to normal levels, and you may be delighted to hear that we have a good volume of the excellent-quality 2025 Chardonnay, on offer for this release. 

Perfumed lifted nose of mulberry, blackberry, and raspberry with hints of coffee. The palate sees the same berry flavours carry over, with smooth, mid-palate weight, supported by classy French oak and a hint of toasty oak. A seamless wine with great length and persistence of flavour.  96/100  Winery's notes.