2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2018 – a classic Margaret River vintage, characterised by a beautifully warm and dry ripening period, moderated by afternoon sea breezes and cool, clear nights. Fruit was picked in superb condition at optimal ripeness with full flavours and balanced acidity.

Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Appearance: Rich plum red with black tints.

Aroma: Aromas of cassis, black olive tapenade, tobacco and bay-leaf with complexing notes of coffee bean, cigar box and cedary oak spice.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied, this wine shows an abundance of black fruit sweetness on the mid-palate, with classical cassis and black olive notes to the fore. Savoury notes of tobacco leaf and dried herbs combine with hints of raspberry, dark chocolate and graphite to add depth and complexity. A refreshing acid line provides poise and length, while an array of fine, earthen tannin provides structure and form.

Winemaking: Fruit sourced from various blocks – so a combination of hand and machine-picked fruit was destemmed to a combination of open and static fermenters. Generally, ferments were cold soaked, with a controlled ferment allowing for considered and gentle maceration on skins. Wines spent 2-6 weeks on skins depending on the parcel and fermenter, with MLF complete before pressing off skins to tank for a quick settle before racking to oak. Wines then spent the next 18 months in oak with no racking or movement – just a monthly topping. Cabernet blends were assembled in December 2019 according to barrel selection, prior to a light egg fining, long-term settle in tank and filtration before bottling in July 2020.

Oak Detail: 18 months maturation in a combination of new (30%) and seasoned French oak barriques.

Cellaring: Tannins are plentiful – providing a structural framework to the wine and ensuring good cellaring potential of 8-12 years, however they are sufficiently matured to allow for immediate enjoyment.

Food Pairing: Roasted leg of lamb with minted peas and potato dauphinoise.

Alcohol Volume: 14.5%
Acidity: pH 3.68 TA 5.75 g/L
Residual Sugar:1.0g/L

Awards & Ratings:

94pts: "Houghton clone, up to 3 weeks on skins, 18 months in barrel (30% new). Some cabernets are dark and brooding; others, like this one, are red-fruited, succulent and juicy. The tannins are chalky, tightly knit together and chewy, making this a star on the rise. Lovely wine. Drink by 2032" Erin Larkin, 2022 Halliday Wine Companion.

93pts: "Deep ruby colour with a bright rim. Tomato leaf, blackcurrant and pencil lead aromas. Deep and rich palate, coffee grounds, tobacco and cigar box, powerful tannins keep it all under control. Serious power and presence. Give it a couple of years cellar time to really make the most of it. 2023-2036" Stuart Knox, The Real Review, 9 Feb 2021.

Silver: 2020 Wine Show of WA; 2020 Margaret River Wine Show.