Lake's Folly Cabernets 2014
Region: Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
Grape: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Shiraz, 11% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot
Vineyard Practice: Sustainable
Culinary Suggestions: Chargrilled Ribeye, Duck with Cherry Sauce, Truffle Pecorino
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Overview
Lake’s Folly, established in 1963 by Dr. Max Lake, holds the distinction of being the first boutique winery in Australia’s Hunter Valley and one of the country's pioneering small wineries. Dr. Lake, a surgeon with a passion for wine, selected the Hunter Valley for its warm climate, believing it was ideal for producing premium-quality red wines. From the beginning, Lake’s Folly focused on small-batch, high-quality wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay—varietals not commonly associated with the region at the time.
Since Dr. Lake’s passing in 2009, Lake’s Folly has remained family-owned, preserving his vision of producing wines that showcase depth, elegance, and regional character. Known for its limited-production wines, Lake’s Folly Cabernet and Chardonnay are celebrated for their complexity, balance, and aging potential, consistently ranking among Australia’s best. Today, Lake’s Folly continues its legacy as one of the most respected and iconic wineries in the Hunter Valley, synonymous with excellence and innovation in Australian winemaking.
The 2014 vintage is a celebrated one, produced from a particularly balanced growing season that yielded wines of freshness and structure. With grapes hand-picked and carefully vinified, this Cabernets blend—featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and a touch of Petit Verdot—reflects the complexity and finesse of Hunter Valley’s cooler climate. Each component of the blend contributes to a harmonious balance: Cabernet brings structure and depth, Petit Verdot adds colour and spice, Merlot lends softness, and Shiraz infuses a subtle Australian touch. The wine is aged in French oak, adding gentle spice and a refined texture that frames its fruit-forward profile.