Lake Breeze Bernoota 2019: Shiraz Cabernet Review

Hey wine lovers! Today, we're diving deep into a bottle that's been making waves: the Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019. If you're on the hunt for a robust, flavorful red blend that doesn't break the bank, you've come to the right place. Let's uncork this beauty and explore what makes it so special.

Overview of Lake Breeze Winery

Before we get into the specifics of the 2019 vintage, let's talk a bit about the winery itself. Lake Breeze Wines, located in the Langhorne Creek region of South Australia, is a family-owned estate with a rich history. With over 130 years of viticultural experience, the Follett family has been crafting exceptional wines that truly reflect the terroir of the region. Their commitment to quality and sustainable practices shines through in every bottle, and the Bernoota is a prime example of their dedication.

The Langhorne Creek region, nestled on the floodplains of the Bremer River, enjoys a unique climate that's perfectly suited for growing premium grapes. The warm days and cool nights allow for slow, even ripening, resulting in wines with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. Lake Breeze takes full advantage of this ideal environment, carefully managing their vineyards to produce grapes of the highest quality.

Lake Breeze's approach to winemaking blends traditional techniques with modern innovation. They believe in minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through. From hand-picking the grapes to gentle pressing and careful fermentation, every step of the process is meticulously controlled to ensure the final product is nothing short of exceptional. This dedication to quality has earned them numerous accolades and a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.

The Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet is a flagship wine for Lake Breeze, and it consistently showcases the best of what Langhorne Creek has to offer. It's a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, two grape varieties that thrive in the region's climate. The winemakers carefully select the parcels of fruit that will go into the blend, aiming for a balance of richness, complexity, and elegance. The result is a wine that's both approachable and age-worthy, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a casual barbecue with friends or a formal dinner party, the Bernoota is sure to impress.

Tasting Notes and Characteristics

Okay, let's get to the good stuff – the tasting notes! The Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019 is a blend of (typically) around 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, though the exact percentages can vary slightly from year to year depending on the vintage conditions. This combination creates a wine that's both powerful and elegant, with a complex array of flavors and aromas. From the moment you pour it into your glass, you'll be captivated by its deep, vibrant color and enticing bouquet.

On the nose, the Bernoota 2019 offers a symphony of aromas. You'll likely detect ripe blackberries, plums, and dark cherries, along with subtle hints of cedar, vanilla, and spice. These aromas are a result of both the grape varieties themselves and the oak aging process, which adds complexity and depth to the wine. As you swirl the wine in your glass, you may also notice notes of chocolate and mocha, adding to its overall richness.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with a smooth, velvety texture. The flavors of dark fruit are prominent, with blackberries and plums taking center stage. There's also a subtle hint of cassis, a characteristic often associated with Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, providing structure and balance to the wine. The acidity is also well-balanced, preventing the wine from feeling heavy or cloying. The finish is long and lingering, with a pleasant aftertaste of fruit and spice.

One of the standout characteristics of the Bernoota 2019 is its remarkable balance. The Shiraz contributes its characteristic richness and fruit-forward flavors, while the Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, tannins, and complexity. The two varieties complement each other perfectly, creating a wine that's greater than the sum of its parts. It's a wine that can be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Speaking of food pairings, the Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019 is incredibly versatile. Its bold flavors and balanced structure make it a great match for a variety of dishes. If you're looking for the perfect wine to accompany your next meal, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Grilled Meats: This is a classic pairing for a reason. The Bernoota's rich flavors and firm tannins stand up beautifully to grilled steak, lamb chops, or even a juicy burger. The smoky char of the grill complements the wine's dark fruit notes, creating a harmonious combination.
• Roasted Vegetables: Don't underestimate the power of roasted vegetables! The Bernoota pairs surprisingly well with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the vegetables balances the wine's tannins, while the earthy flavors complement its savory notes.
• Hard Cheeses: A selection of hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan, is another excellent pairing for the Bernoota. The cheese's nutty, savory flavors complement the wine's fruit and spice notes, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and textures.
• Hearty Stews and Casseroles: On a chilly evening, there's nothing better than a hearty stew or casserole. The Bernoota's full body and rich flavors make it a perfect match for dishes like beef bourguignon, shepherd's pie, or even a simple lentil stew. The wine's tannins help cut through the richness of the dish, while its fruit flavors add a touch of brightness.
• Dark Chocolate: For a truly indulgent experience, try pairing the Bernoota with a piece of dark chocolate. The wine's dark fruit flavors complement the chocolate's bitterness, creating a decadent and satisfying finish to your meal.

The key to successful food pairing is to match the wine's intensity with the dish's flavors. The Bernoota is a relatively full-bodied wine, so it pairs best with dishes that have bold, assertive flavors. Avoid pairing it with delicate or subtle dishes, as the wine may overpower them. With a little experimentation, you're sure to find the perfect food pairing to complement your Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019.

Aging Potential

One of the great things about the Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019 is its aging potential. While it's certainly enjoyable to drink now, it will also benefit from some time in the cellar. The wine's structure and tannins will soften and integrate over time, allowing its flavors to evolve and become even more complex. If you have the patience to wait, you'll be rewarded with an even more refined and nuanced wine.

According to the winemakers at Lake Breeze, the Bernoota 2019 has the potential to age for at least 10-15 years, and possibly even longer under ideal storage conditions. The key to successful aging is to store the wine in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. A wine cellar is ideal, but a cool, dark closet or basement can also work. Avoid storing the wine in a place where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or temperature fluctuations, as this can damage the wine and shorten its lifespan.

If you're planning to age the Bernoota 2019, it's a good idea to lay the bottles on their side to keep the cork moist. This will prevent the cork from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle, which can oxidize the wine and ruin its flavors. You may also want to consider investing in a wine refrigerator or cellar tracker to help you monitor the temperature and humidity in your storage area.

As the Bernoota 2019 ages, its flavors will become more complex and nuanced. The primary fruit flavors will evolve into more tertiary notes, such as leather, tobacco, and earth. The tannins will soften and become more velvety, while the acidity will mellow and integrate with the other flavors. The result will be a wine that's both elegant and refined, with a long, lingering finish.

Of course, aging wine is not an exact science, and the results can vary depending on the vintage, storage conditions, and individual preferences. However, with proper storage and a little patience, you can unlock the full potential of the Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019 and enjoy it at its peak.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

So, what's the final verdict? The Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019 is a fantastic wine that offers exceptional value for money. It's a well-balanced, flavorful red blend that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, the Bernoota is sure to impress.

Its rich flavors of dark fruit, hints of spice, and smooth tannins make it incredibly approachable and easy to drink. It pairs well with a wide range of foods, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables to hard cheeses. And with its aging potential, you can enjoy it now or cellar it for future enjoyment.

If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality red wine that won't break the bank, I highly recommend the Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2019. It's a true crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a staple in your wine collection. Cheers!