There is a poignant story behind the outstanding Silent Partner Cabernet Sauvignon releases from Brand and Sons/Jim Brand Wines.
The label's founder, leading Coonawarra winemaker Jim Brand, died 20 years ago at the age of just 52, but his wine philosophies still guide his son Sam Brand and team's direction.
"The Silent Partner is a reference to Dad's on-going influence on everything that we do," says Sam Brand.
The Brand family sent me a vertical of the Silent Partner; from the smooth 2013 to the pre-release 2023, and there was a common thread of class and elegance throughout the wines, although the recently bottled 2023 was still a little feisty.
The 2013, 2020, 2021 and 2022 all offer outstanding examples of Coonawarra cabernet quality at a very fair price of $40.
The wines are made in small quantities but are well worth seeking out.
The first vintage was made as a tribute to Jim Brand in 2005.
"All of the fruit comes from our ‘Yates’ vineyard in what we call the ‘Mid-West’ of Coonawarra on a combination of Red Terra Rossa and Brown Redzina soils," says Sam Brand.
"Our winemaker Peter Weinberg spent six years under Dad’s tutelage at Brands Laira and knows well the techniques and style he preferred.
"Oak regime involves predominantly French oak, but only 20-30% new."
That oak is often from cooper Seguin Moreau, whose barrels were a favourite of Jim Brand (below).
"Producing the quintessential Coonawarra cabernet was always the goal," Sam Brand adds "with a wine style that had full flavour, density, recognisable regionality, but importantly that you could have a second glass of."
That's a key element these days, with big, American-oaked reds often so big that one glass is enough. Here there is power, but also impressive balance - and classic Coonawarra characters shine.
The pricing has remained at $40 per bottle for well over a decade - making the Silent Partner outstanding value for money.
The current vintage is 2021 - it is a very complete wine, and my favourite, along with the soon-to-be released 2022, one to look forward to.
See https://brandandsons.com.au/jim-brand/
That's a key element these days, with big, American-oaked reds often so big that one glass is enough. Here there is power, but also impressive balance - and classic Coonawarra characters shine.
The pricing has remained at $40 per bottle for well over a decade - making the Silent Partner outstanding value for money.
The current vintage is 2021 - it is a very complete wine, and my favourite, along with the soon-to-be released 2022, one to look forward to.
See https://brandandsons.com.au/jim-brand/
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