Winemaker Notes
#46 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2020
Bright maroon with a red brick edge. Deep, savory Cabernet characters of blackcurrant, dark cherry, damp earth, and cedar mingle with a spicy complexity care of the vibrant Malbec portion. Luscious and juicy upfront, the dark berry fruit is complemented by savory elements of beef stock and dried woody herbs. There is a wonderful length of flavor as the palate transitions to a fine, textural and dusty drying finish in classical Cabernet style.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine needs a smidgeon of time in glass or decanter to open up but when it does it reveals a multifaceted nose of chocolate, mint, roast beets, cumin, dried violets and toasty oak, all layered between plump currants. There’s a lovely smudged charcoal texture the tannins and lifted acidity. This wine neatly demonstrates a power play of muscle and restraint that Margaret River Cabs deliver.
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Wine Spectator
Firm, showing off the region's signature fresh herbal notes, which give this aromatic lift and linger on the finish. Bay leaf, rosemary and cedar details are effortlessly infused into the cassis and plum flavors. A hint of black tea adds to the complexity, as does the seamlessness of the velvety tannins. Drink now through 2035.
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James Suckling
A briary and leafy nose with mulberry and redcurrant aromas, as well as fresh leaves, roasting herbs and dried flowers. The palate has a supple, succulent feel with plenty of tannin framing the red-toned fruit. Drink over the next six years.
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.