Winemaker Notes
Medium dark red colored. Lifted berry fruit aromas combine with hints of violets and spice, flowing through to some dusty cedar notes. A rich, smooth palate with complex layers of red and dark berry fruits. The palate is soft and generous with hints of vanilla, spice and chocolate, supported by fine-grained tannins and perfectly integrated French oak. A medium bodied, ripe and vibrant fruit-driven style of Cabernet which reflects the purity of fruit from our coastal, sustainably farmed vineyard located in the heart of Margaret River.
Light enough for cold meats or tartare, yet intense enough for smoky barbequed red meats.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
The spearmint and fresh-basil notes come through clearly, to buttress the currant and berry character on the palate. Medium to full body. Round, juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Refined and focused. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
-
Wine & Spirits
Fresh coastal cabernet combines with strawberry-bright merlot in this clean, fragrant red. It feels lithe and bright, lasting with spicy scents of cumin and beach rose, balanced to serve at a cookout.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Girt By Sea Cabernet Merlot sees only about 15% new oak. A medium-bodied effort, it's silky and approachable, with leafy overtones to its cherry and raspberry fruit. Fun and easy to drink, it's a solid entry-level wine.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
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.