2004 MadFish Rosé Tasting Notes

The 2004 Madfish Cabernet Sauvignon Rose is a traditional dry style Rose. It was made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards throughout the Great Southern and from the Howard Park Leston Vineyard in Margaret River. The grapes were harvested at full ripeness of colour and flavour, the fruit was de-stemmed and lightly crushed into red fermentation vessels. After 12 - 15 hours of contact between juice and skins a small amount of juice was drained into tank off the skins thus preventing any further colour or phenolic pick up. This drained portion of juice displayed a vibrant salmon-like colour while retaining the classic Cabernet aromas and flavours without the drying mouth feel tannins. The juice was then treated like a white wine with cool fermentation in stainless steel. No oak was used and the wine was fermented to dryness, quality Cabernet Sauvignon like this has sufficient fruit sweetness without having to rely on residual sugar to give the palate weight. The wine was bottled under screwcap seal.

The 2004 Madfish Cabernet Sauvignon Rose has a wonderful red onion skin colour, good Rose should not be too purple. The bouquet is full of red berries, cherries and plums. The palate is fresh and lively with intense varietal expression and a clean crisp dry finish. The wine is best enjoyed chilled, with friends, food and conversation.