Rich and inky with dark fruits, cocoa and bay leaf, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon shows classic Margaret River power and poise. 96 points – Ray Jordan. Cellar-worthy and beautifully structured.
Production: 221 dozen
Colour: Dark inky crimson.
Bouquet: Brambly fruits with plum, liquorice and chocolate with hints of cedar and currents.
Palate: From a warm season, this Cabernet is rich and bold, with plenty of dark cherries, plums, blackcurrant, bay leaf and alluring cocoa notes. The wine exudes a dark inky concentration while holding onto its varietal integrity, with supple, powdery tannins giving length and structure. An age worthy wine showing all the hallmarks of a classic Margaret River Cabernet.
Vinification: Pristine Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was picked in the cool of the mornings of 17 and 27th March. It was then placed in open fermenters and macerated on skins for 24 days. The cap was lovingly hand plunged four times a day in the early stages of fermentation to extract colour and tannin. The free run juice was drained and the fermented grapes were basket pressed to tank. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation which softens the acid. The wine was then racked to French barriques (50% new and 50% one- and two- year old), and matured for 16 months. Blended and bottled in November 2021. 14.5% Alcohol.
2020 Vintage Rating 9/10: After a wet winter, the region enjoyed an early start to the season, with warmer than average spring temperatures evolving into the perfect summer growing conditions. Low disease pressure, timely flowering of native Marri trees (to keep the birds at bay) and little to no rain, meant that growers could literally “take their pick” when they wanted. Vintage 2020 in Margaret River was a real treat for viticulturists with the only downside of note being the lower than normal yields across all varieties, resulting in one of the smallest harvests in recent years. Yet here is the silver lining… the lower yields have resulted in exceptional fruit that is physiologically ripe and shows divine concentration of aromas and flavours. While the 2020 vintage from Margaret River will be in scarce supply, it will be a very special vintage to look out for.
Awards and Reviews: An impressive wine that captures much of what this early generous vintage was all about. Released after a little extra time in the cellar, which has allowed everything to knit together beautifully to reveal its best characters., It’s classically cabernet with that combination of chocolaty blackcurrant, bay leaf and black olive cut with a fine thread of oyster shell minerality. About 50% new French oak was used and it has worked seamlessly into the palate. There is a suggestion of Bordeaux left left-bank style in this. Score: 96/100 Cellar: 12 years Ray Jordan
