The Old House
The Di Fabio has a long history of grape-growing and winemaking dating back to the family's Italian origin.
Giovanni and Maria Di Fabio purchased their first house and 40 acre vineyard in the mid 1960's. This became the family home for many years; hence today is known as 'The Old House'.
'The Old House' vineyard consists of deep sandy, well drained soils and low yielding old vines. This, together with a moderate climate and traditional vineyard management, consistently produces fruit of high quality varietal character with great depth of colour and flavour.
Varieties
Merlot
Handpicking at optimum ripeness, along with modern winemaking techniques, has captured and preserved the unique varietal Merlot characteristics, Careful ageing in new American and French Oak barrels for up to 31 months has added complexity and richness to the already generous palate.
Our Old House Merlot displays intensley rich flavours of spicy berry fruit with a very smooth mouthfeel, and harmonious balance between the oak and fruit. Supported by long, fine tannins, a very flavoursome wine with great depth emerges. Developed cedar and vanillan oak backing adds further complexity to the already generous palate.
This wine will continue to develop with further cellaring.
Cabernet Franc
The fruit-driven characteristics of Cabernet Franc produces a wine that is softer in style, yet full of flavour and elegant style. Careful ageing in small French and American oak casks for up to 33 months has enhanced the development of this structure adding richness and complexity.
Our Old House Cabernet Franc shows a great concentration and persistence of aromas and flavours. The integration of varietal fruit and quality oak has produced a palate displaying excellent richness, length and complexity, along with a delicate fine-grained, layered profile.
This wine will continue to develop these characteristics with further cellaring.
Awards
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion 2011 - rates The Old House 2004 Merlot 5 stars
“Exceptional colour for a five-year-old Merlot from anywhere, let alone McLaren Vale; the palate, too, is fresh and vibrant, the varietal expression right on the money; has eaten 31 months in new oak. A major suprise packet. Rating 94"
James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion 2011 - rates The Old House McLaren Vale Cabernet Franc 2004 4 stars
Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2010
Silver - Old House Cabernet Franc 2004
Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2010
Bronze - Old House Merlot 2004
McLaren Vale Wine Show 2009
Bronze - Old House Cabernet Franc 2004
McLaren Vale Wine Show 2009
Bronze - Old House Merlot 2004