Tahbilk has some 32 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the Estate – the oldest dating back to 1949.
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon releases consistently exhibit considerable richness and character with the noted potential to develop further complexity if cellared.
There is a long history with the varietal that supports the belief held by many experts that it is the best performed of the Tahbilk Reds in terms of longevity.
Purbrick Family 'Centennial'
Founded in 1860 by a group of Melbourne businessmen (including John Pinney Bear), by 1925 Tahbilk was solely in the Bear family's hands. For a number of reasons beyond their control, the fortunes of the Estate at that time were in decline.
Enter the Purbrick family with first Tahbilk generation Reginald Purbrick purchasing Tahbilk from the Bear family with a plan to subdivide into dairy farms.
Fortuitously he was convinced by his son and and 2nd generation, Eric to continue operating Tahbilk as a winery.
Eric was then handed the reins in 1931, a role that continued for over 45 vintages prior to handing the role to his son Alister after the 1978 vintage.
Eric remained a strong influence on the direction of Tahbilk until his passing in 1991.
Tahbilk 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' Reds
One of the first to place his faith in the future of Australian table wines, Eric was at the forefront of varietal labelling in Australia ; but perhaps his greatest legacy was to create the 'Special Bin' range of reds, beginning with a Shiraz in 1948. Selected from the most outstanding casks produced on the Estate from a particular vintage, these wines became known as 'Reserve' in 1985.
From 2002 they fittingly carry his name and signature: 'Eric Stevens Purbrick' ...and so, a new legacy with its roots firmly planted in the history of the Estate was born.
