Winemaker Notes
The nose is defined by vibrancy, fragrance and perfume underlined with violets and lavender. The palate is voluminous with a deep and intense core of rich fruit, surrounded by blackcurrants and blueberries. Cassia, bay leaf, dried sage, star anise and cumin offer complexity and layers of delicate, subtle textures. It all unfolds following a mineral and graphite thread. Tannins are fine, long and elongated with a tight and vibrant acid frame.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Piercing aromas of cassis, mulberry leaf, pencil shavings, dried sage and bay leaf, draped across the broad tannic scape. Yet another wine, mid-weighted and classy, of the second tier at this address.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is juicy and bright on the nose. Despite its glossy exterior, the wine maintains a freshly turned earth/bramble vibe on the nose, which directly places it as varietally true. A honing beacon, if you will. The moderate to warm 2020 vintage is responsible for the density of fruit flavor in the mouth. Very good. The drinking window is conservative, but it takes into consideration primary fruit, which I personally prefer, to some extent, in most wines. This is characterized by cassis, blueberry, salted licorice, summer raspberry and even a hint of star anise through the finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Chocolaty, coffee oak influence is at the fore here, with plump red cherry, cranberry and currant fruit just below. Crushed rock, white pepper, dried floral and savory spice aromas abound, too. The palate finds shades of both lightness and darkness, with chiseled tannins and a savory edge to the tangy fruit.
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Wine Spectator
Features fresh mint, star anise, cumin and licorice notes that complement a juicy core of raspberry, framboise and kirsch, while the tannins firm on the finish. Drink now through 2034. 300 cases imported.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.