- Winery: St Leonard’s Vineyard
- Wine Region: Wahgunyah, Rutherglen, Victoria
- Variety: Ruby Cabernet
- Vintage: 2023
- Price: $32
- Find it: From the winery direct
- Alcohol content: 12%
- You’ll like this if: You love chilled red
- Body: Medium
- Mouthfeel: Juicy
- Taste: Bright, Textured Lifted
- Flavours: Raspberry, Mint, Cherry
- Enjoy it with: Friends
- Food pairings: Charcuterie or ragu pasta
Wine review: St Leonards Vineyard ‘Pilot Project’ Ruby
Summer is the perfect opportunity to enjoy chilled red, but I have to say I’ve never tried a chilled red made from Ruby Cabernet before. In fact, I think this might be a first for me with this grape variety which is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan It’s always fun trying new things, and the St Leonards Vineyard ‘Pilot Project’ Ruby is a chilled wine that is the epitome of fun. It’s the kind of wine that’s perfect for enjoying with friends straight out of the fridge, sharing a nice big charcuterie plate. The vibrant notes make it perfectly refreshing and an easygoing companion for warm afternoons.
The St Leonards Vineyard ‘Pilot Project’ Ruby is a youthful, soft, and medium-weighted red that’s simply a joy to sip. Notes of raspberry and cherry are dominant at the front of the palate and aroma, with a charming hint of mint in the background that adds a touch of intrigue and personality. It’s got just the right amount of acidity to make it refreshing, and a good amount of tannin to give it a nice texture.
So, if you’re looking for a red that’s not too serious, with a bit of fruity fun and a lot of refreshing charm, the ‘Pilot Project’ Ruby is your go-to choice for a relaxed and delightful summer experience.
About St Leonards Vineyard
All Saints Estate, a family-owned winery with roots dating back to 1864, is situated on the picturesque banks of the Murray River in Wahgunyah, within the Rutherglen Wine Region of North East Victoria, Australia. Established by George Sutherland Smith and John Banks, who arrived from Scotland in 1852, the estate’s history reflects a journey of dedication to viticulture. The present-day proprietors, Eliza, Angela, and Nicholas Brown, siblings and inheritors of the estate, hold diverse roles—Eliza serves as the CEO, Angela as the Sales and Marketing Director, and Nicholas as the Winemaker and General Manager. Following the sudden passing of their father, Peter R. Brown, in 2005, the family inherited ownership of All Saints Estate and St Leonards Vineyard, maintaining a vision for independent growth and excellence in Australian winemaking.
In addition to their flagship wines, All Saints Estate embraces innovation through the St Leonards Pilot Project Range. Spearheaded by Winemaker Nicholas Brown, this range symbolizes a departure from Rutherglen’s traditional winemaking practices. It serves as a canvas for experimentation, where creativity and imagination guide the winemaking process, offering a distinct and innovative perspective that challenges the established norms of the region. As the family continues to play a pivotal role in the broader Brown Family Wine Group, their independent ownership of All Saints Estate and St Leonards Vineyard reflects their commitment to shaping the future of Australian winemaking both domestically and internationally.
You can purchase this wine from The St Leonards Vineyard website.
Note: This wine was sent as a sample. I was under no obligation to post about it.