The Alkoomi vineyards and winery are located in the rapidly expanding Great Southern region northwest of Albany in Western Australia, about 80 kilometers inland from the Southern Ocean. The southern influence makes this the coolest climate region in Western Australia and one blessed with reasonable rainfall, long autumn sunshine and generally very consistent climatic conditions year by year. Alkoomi is recognized as one of Australia’s most outstanding wineries. Year after year this family owned winery produces wines of exceptional quality, elegance and class.

The soils are deep gravelly loam over clay subsoil. The combination of these soils and the cool climate lead to the production of intense, refined and elegantly structured wines. Canopy management is important to Alkoomi. They use upright trellises with vertical shoot positioning and implement a policy of minimal spraying. The soil is not tilled and the vines are all cane pruned by hand. The vines are watered only as required to prevent any severe stress - i.e. approximately twice a month during the summer months. The winemaking approach is non interventionist - in other words, they let the fruit do the talking, using traditional winemaking techniques. The fruit for the 2005 Blackbutt was all picked at 13-14º Baume. Each component of the Alkoomi Blackbutt is traditionally fermented on skins in small open vats and is plunged three times a day until dryness is reached. The juice is then left on skins for a further 10-14 days before pressing. Each variety is settled in tank for a further 7-10 days, then racked individually into selected French oak barrels. The wine is blended after the first 12 months in barrel where it remains for a total of 2 ½ years before finally being racked and bottled. It is released with an approximate 6 months bottle age. The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot.

The color is a deep vibrant black red. The bouquet is rich and concentrated with aromas of red and black currants. The palate is big rich and concentrated with black and red currants and chocolate flavors. Supple tannins and soft spicy French oak combine to create a great depth of flavor and lovely fruit intensity. Delicious to drink young or cellar for up to ten years. Outstanding with beef or lamb.　

Alcohol: 13.5%

TA: 6.32 g/l

pH: 3.51

Residual Sugar: 0.0 g/l