They say wine gets better with age, and this is clearly true of some wine estates too! After 25 years in the business, the Cardinham Estate in the Clare Valley is still raking in the awards for its wines. Besides all the praise for their exceptional Sangiovese, Scott and Shane Smith of Cardinham Estate are proud of the 125+ wine competition awards their wines have won in many national and international shows. That certainly isn’t bad going for land once used only for fruit farming!
Clare Valleys cool
The Clare Valley’s cool climate lends itself beautifully to wine cultivation, and the Smiths have taken full advantage of the old fruit farm’s location. The Smiths are assisted by principle winemaker Brett Stevens who helps to make the expressive blends and varietals that’s put the estate on the map.
Brett has been instrumental in the success of the Smiths’ Sangiovese that made waves in wine circles. Critics loved the 2002, 2004 and 2006 Sangiovese vintages, enjoying the light, savoury and deliciously balanced structures. While the primary grapes produced at Cardinham are Cabernet and Shiraz, the Smiths’ Rieslings have also made a favourable impression in the wine community.
Sharpened skill
Experience in the business has made the Smiths experts – they’re quite aware of the influence the region’s various growing site have on taste. They describe their winemaking style as “typical Clare Valley in its fruit-forward expression of the region”.
Export quality
Cardinham produces 4500 cases of wine per year, 25% of which are shipped to the United States and Hong Kong.
Shop online!
You’ll find Cardinham Estate here: Cardinham Estate
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