Raymond Chan Wine Reviews 18.5/20. Deep, ruby-black with a slight hint of garnet, lighter edged. The nose is intensely full, filled with aromas of eucalyptus, pencil shavings, melded with cassis, blackberries, violets and savoury, earthy hints. Full-bodied, bright fruit aromas of cassis, blackberries, violets interweave a hint of leather, unfolding eucalyptus, pencil shavings and earth. Fine-grained tannin extraction offers a chewy palate; fruit is bright and attractive with complexity, lively acidity added roundness. Match this with grilled ribeye and kangaroo loin over the next 5 years. 14.5% alc. 18.5/20 pts August 2021. Only 1800 cases...
Cabernet
3 Rings Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (RC 18.5)
Credaro Margaret River Kinship Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (RJ 96)
Ray Jordan 96 points. Janes Halliday 94 points. The Credaro Kinship Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 showcases seductive aromas of blue fruits, dark chocolate with rich lifted violets. A rich and lifted palate showing flavours of blue fruits, blackberry and blackcurrant, with good length of flavour, concentration and ripe succulent tannins. Freshness and vibrancy on the palates adds to the fruit weight and sweet acidity. Hints of florals and violets with rich berry compote sweetness on the finish. #WA
Cullen Diana Madeline 2018 (JH 98)
79/10/6/5% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc/malbec. Wild ferment in barrel and amphora, matured for 15 months in mainly biodynamic oak (50% new). An icon wine from a watershed vintage. This is Margaret River pedigree of the highest order; powdery fine tannins that shape and caress the perfectly ripe red fruits. The acidity is the driver over the tongue, the layers of flavour and texture seem never-ending. Show stopping. Pure fruit concentration. Blimey. 98 points. Erin Larkin Published 13 August 2021
Cullen Diana Madeline 2019 (JH 98)
87% Cabernet sauvignon, with 7/3/2/1% merlot/cabernet franc/malbec/petit verdot. Matured for 15 months in barrique, 45% new. Cassis and red licorice on the nose, bay and saltbush, too. The palate is salty and fine with layers upon layers of spice and texture. The tannins are like finely textured gills, stacked as delicately as the folds in a mushroom. The length of flavour unfurls and extends across the palate, taking so long to fade that this entire tasting note is possible off one sip. The rest are just for pleasure. Drink it now, or in 40+ years from now… both will be possible. 98 points. Erin Larkin Published 13 August 2021
Cullen Diana Madeline 2020 (JH 98)
Cerified Biodynamic. "Has the usual estate blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and malbec (92/4/3/1%), the grapes hand picked on fruit days between early February and early March, the components matured in French oak (50% new) for 13 months. The perfumed bouquet has already soaked up the new oak, the purity of the fruit in a cassis-redcurrant-blueberry spectrum. The small berries of a quasi-drought summer might have imposed awkward tannins, but the medium-bodied palate is so perfectly balanced it has a drinking span of 30 years and counting. Drink by 2055." 98 points - James Halliday's Wine Companion. "Dark, deep and a really...
Dalwhinnie Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (HH 96)
Huon Hooke 96 points. "Very deep red/purple colour, in excellent condition for its age, and a bouquet of tremendous depth and character, undeniably cabernet, mellowing and with a hint of Bonox, the palate concentrated and deep, with assertive tannins and some meaty-charcuterie and toasted-nut undertones. Masses of tannins complete the picture. A very powerful, full-bodied and emphatic cabernet that is destined for a long life. It's a bit on the astringent side right now but a hearty rare steak might take care of that." colour Bright and shiny highlighting purple hues. aroma Dark dense sweet concentrated aromas, with typical varietal Cabernet...
Deep Woods G2 Single Vineyard Cabernet 2020 (JS 96)
MARGARET RIVER WINE SHOW 2022, TROPHY and 4 GOLDS. Wine of Show Red Wine of Show Best Single Vineyard Red Best Cabernet Sauvignon TROPHY, BLACKWOOD VALLEY WA BOUTIQUE AND SINGLE VINEYARD WINE SHOW 2022 Best Cabernet Sauvignon JAMES HALLIDAY AUSTRALIAN CHARDONNAY & CABERNET CHALLENGE 2022, GOLD. PGOLD, ERTH ROYAL WINE AWARDS 2022 GOLD, ROYAL HOBART WINE SHOW 2022. JAMES SUCKLING 96 points. A deep and dark centre palate of crushed blackcurrants, spices and walnuts. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and a stone, oyster shell and iodine undertone to the composed fruit finish. Really dark fruit in the centre palate. Solid Cabernet sauvignon..
Deep Woods Margaret River Hillside Cabernet 2020 (JH 94, 3 Gold)
AUSTRALIA'S BEST VALUE WINERY 2022....JAMES HALLIDAY. Erin Larkin 94 points "Fruit from the Deep Woods vineyard in Yallingup (in the north). Up to 14 days on skins, seperate batches are sent straight to barrel for maturation in French oak (15% new). $25, and you know it's going to be good. Fine, shapely, powdery tannins (slightly chewy, too) back up the concentrated, ripe, red and black berry fruit. With a sprinkling of ground star anise, peppercorns and laced together with briny acidity, this is a cracking little wine. Super-smart." MARGARET RIVER WINE SHOW 2021, Gold. PERTH ROYAL WINE AWARDS 2021, Gold. WINE SHOW OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2020,...
Deep Woods Margaret River Reserve Cabernet 2019 (JH 97) (JS 98)
AUSTRALIA'S BEST VALUE WINERY 2022....JAMES HALLIDAY. DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2022.....Trophy, World's Best Cabernet. James Suckling 98/100 Perth Royal Wine Awards 2021, Gold Medal. James Halliday 97 points. From the estate's first plantings; matured for 18 months in new and used French oak. Deep, vivid crimson purple. Fascinating bouquet that has the bay leaf I often find on the back palate/finish of quality cabernet sauvignon; also cassis (no surprise) wrapped in a fine gauze of oak and pliable tannins. Line, length and balance are all attributes of a classic Margaret River cabernet. James Halliday Published 09 June 2022. RAY JORDAN,...
Deep Woods Margaret River Reserve Cabernet 2020 (DWWA no1)
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2022 Best in Show The world's greatest red wines often seem infused with a sense of refinement and ease when mature, no matter how dense and impenetrable they appear in youth. This hallmark of this finely crafted Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River is that, youthful as it is, it’s able to convey both density and refined ease simultaneously. In colour it's dark black-purple, and you'll find remarkable fruit concentration and closeness of texture in the mouth. Yet the aromas are warm, open and resonant, pure and unthrusting, and such is the clarity of organisation of the palate, finesse of the tannins and...
Driftwood Artifacts Margaret River Cabernet 2019 (JH 94)
Gold Medal - Sydney Royal Wine Show 95/100 - Sydney Royal Wine Show With 4/4/3/1% malbec/shiraz/petit verdot/cabernet franc. Matured for 18 months in French oak (38% new). Really brilliant. This has cassis, raspberry, salted licorice, hints of salt bush and bay leaf, fine crushed black pepper, briny acidity and plump yet fine mouthfeel. It is shapely. This is another producer on the rise in Margaret River, and this is a wonderful wine. Seek it out. 94 points. Erin Larkin Published 14 February 2022
Driftwood Artifacts Margaret River Cabernet Sauv 2015 (JH 95)
88.4% cabernet sauvignon, 54.% petit verdot, 3/1% cabernet franc, 2.9% shiraz and 0.2% merlot co-fermented with cultured yeast, 35 days on skins, matured for 15-18 months in used French oak. Brilliantly coloured; an unusually fresh and elegant wine in the context of the base line style of Margaret River. The expressive and fragrant bouquet exudes cassis and redcurrant, the supple, medium-bodied palate has a perfect blend of fruits (blueberry and blackcurrant), harmonious French oak and fine-grained, persistent tannins. 95 points. James Halliday Published 17 June 2021
Driftwood Single Site Margaret River Cabernet 2018 (RJ 96)
Ray Jordan 96 points, The WA Wine Guide. “Super vintage; super wine. Like the chardonnay from these guys this is as good as anything they have released. Powerhouse blackcurrant, black olive and a little bay leaf. Then there’s the graphite definition. The palate positively sings with bright, high-energy flavours supported by firm chalky tannins and ample oak. Has years ahead of it.’ RJ. James Halliday 95 points. Average 30yo vines, matured 18 months in 25% new French oak. It opens with a savour berry-laden nose characterised by hoisin and anise. Fennel, too. The palate is saturated and ripe, with assertive tannins that shapes the wine...
Evans & Tate Redbrook Reserve Margaret R Cabernet 2016 (JH 95)
8 Gold Medals so far.... Gold, Sydney Royal Wine Show 2018. Gold, Wine Show of Western Australia 2018. Gold, Margaret River Wine Show 2018. Gold, National Wine Show of Australia 2018. Gold, China Wine and Spirits awards 2018. Gold, Perth Royal Wine Show 2019. Gold, Royal Queensland Wine Show 2019. Gold, Royal Hobart Wine Show 2019. 95 points, James Halliday. 95 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review. "Cabernet with a sweet-fruited smile on its face. It's ripe and polished with smoked cedar wood slipped hand in glove into pure, ripe cassis, chocolate and peppermint. It's pretty much impossible to review, or drink, this wine without uttering the...
Evans & Tate Redbrook Reserve Margaret R Cabernet 2017 (JH 96)
HALLIDAY WINE COMPANION 2021, 96 points. Matured 11 months in French hogsheads (20% new). The cooler year has birthed yet another cabernet of delicacy, length and finesse. Matt Byrne's Redbrook Reserve cabernet is worthy of the same praise heaped upon prior vintages. Succulent red fruits and densely packed flavour held together with fine-knit tannins. Ready to drink now, but with a determined future in the cellar, too - this is what defines the wonder of great Margaret River cabernet. #WA
Evans & Tate Wild Cape Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (RJ 93)
Gold Medal Melbourne Royal Wine Show 2022. Gold Medal Perth Royal Wine Show 2022. THE WEST AUSTRALIAN WINE GUIDE 2023, 93 points. The panel enjoyed the vibrancy and dense floral/fruit concentration in this wine, so I was not surprised to find out there is 12 per cent malbec in the blend. Value for money is through the roof. This is big on flavour, a little juicy up-front, finishing with plush, dry tannins. Classical blackcurrant, tapenade and cocoa powder. Drink now or cellar and enjoy for up to five years.RJ COLOUR Purple black with a vibrant purple rim. Showcasing a beautifully intense, deep colour from the inclusion of Malbec and the...
Forest Hill Block 5 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (JH 96)
Erin Larkin for James Haiday Wine Companion 96 points. Forest Hill Vineyard, Block 5, 6 and 7, all Planted 1975. Only the best parcels sourced from the top of the block. Dark, intense purple hues. Aromas of bay leaf, black fruits and some violet spice. The palate is powerful with fine tannin structure carried by more black fruit with graphite freshness. The wine will reward cellaring. #WA
Forest Hill Highbury Field Cabernet 2020 (JH 91)
James Halliday Wine Companion 91 points. This is sitting very pretty; for all the characters we want and look for in wine, especially one in the low $20s. Cassis, exotic market spice, judiciously utilised oak and length beyond its price-point. Very smart. Erin Larkin. Dark crimson with purple hues. Aromas of blackberries, florals, dark chocolate and bay leaf. The palate is plush and medium bodied with blackcurrant, savoury and spicy flavors. Fine and long tannin structure. #WA
Giant Steps "Harry's Monster" Bordeaux Blend 2020 (JH 94)
“This is a classy, medium-bodied rendition that will unfurl and garner more complexity given more time.” 95 points - Jane Faulkner. James Halliday Wine Companion 94 points. A blend of 55/40/5% merlot/cabernet/petit verdot. All barriques, 20% new. A medium deep, bright, plummy red. A good effort from this cooler year, this smells of dark cherry, damson plums, cedar and a dusting of fine, good-quality dark cacao powder. Good depth on the medium-bodied palate, too. The tannins are fine and persistent with good grip on the finish and while approachable now, with food, this will continue to improve in the bottle for at least the next 5–6...
Grosset Gaia 2017 (Cab Blend) (HH 95)
Five Stars The Real Review #2 of 32 - Cab Sauv Blends from South Australia -2017 Huon Hooke 95 Ralph Kyte Powell 95 "Medium to full red colour with a trace of purple and a complex bouquet of damp undergrowth, tobacco, raspberry and briar. More savoury than fruity. The wine is medium to full-bodied and deliciously smooth, supple and easy on the gums. Fresh acidity cleanses the finish. An elegant style, very good now and has cellaring potential. 28 MAR 2020" HH The Grosset Gaia 2017 has brooding briary, brambly, black cherry and blackcurrant aromas that lead to a palate showing similar flavours. These are ripe, lively and fine, well-balanced,...
Hardys Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (AC 98)
Deep crimson. Classic cassis, blackberry, black olive tapenade, leafy aromas with vanilla, cedar notes. Well balanced powerful wine with saturated blackcurrant, dark plum, praline, brambly flavours, fine grainy/ al-dente tannins, and underlying cedar oak complexity. Finishes leafy firm with plentiful dark fruits and extract. Superb fruit definition, volume and torque. Cellar for a while. Drink to: 2024 - 2040; Rating: 98 Points; Andrew Caillard MW. Gold Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards It seems this vintage of Thomas Hardy is straight Coonawarra (often it's a multi-regional blend). Excellent dark purple hue. It's deep, rich and complex....
Kay Brothers Cuthbert Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (WA 94)
Wine Advocate 94 points. Classic mint and cassis notes appear on the nose of the 2017 Cuthbert Cabernet Sauvignon. The cool year seems to have benefited the variety, as the wine shows remarkable depth and balance. It's medium-bodied but generous, with ample flesh set against fine-grained, almost silky, tannins. Even after 18 months in French oak (hogsheads and barriques), the oak influence is muted, letting the gorgeous fruit shine on the mouthwatering finish. JC Jul 2020.
Kilikanoon Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (WA 92)
Wine Advocate 92 points. The 2018 Blocks Road Cabernet Sauvignon offers up hints of sage, bay leaf and cassis, buttressed by hints of vanilla and cedar. It's medium to full-bodied, smooth and silky, with a line of acidity that runs from the front of the palate through the long, mouthwatering finish. Not a big, huge, ripe Cabernet, it's more about focus and harmony—and for the $30 USD SRP, it's a bargain. JC Aug 2021.
Kilikanoon Killermans Run Cabernet 2019 (WA 90)
Wine Advocate 90 points. Marked by scents of dried sage and cassis, the 2019 Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium to full-bodied, velvety-textured wine that should have broad appeal. Ripe and expansive, it delivers concentrated, plush fruit and a long, softly tannic finish. JC Aug 2021 WINERY NOTES: Our Killerman’s Run Cabernet Sauvignon has been crafted through careful fruit selection, traditional winemaking techniques, sixteen months maturation in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads and bottling unfiltered to fully enhance the wines character and appeal. Appearance Brick red in colour with deep crimson hues. Nose The aromas...
Majella Coonawarra Cabernet 2015 Library Release (JH 95)
"Bright hue; a very elegant, almost-but-not-quite shy and retiring, wine with bright red and black cherry fruit and attendant spices (and pepper) coming through on the exactly balanced palate, oak and tannins observing their duties on the finish and aftertaste." James Halliday 95/100
Majella The Composer Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (WM 98)
Estate grown fruit from the Majella vineyard in Coonawarra. The Composer is a vivid dark magenta red colour with a crimson hue. Lush eucalyptus and red fruit aromas are paired with a bright, flavour filled, medium weighted palate of cassis and red berries. Subtle oak integration enhances the smooth and balanced finish. A plush, juicy and mouthwatering cabernet with great persistence of some lovely, lifted blackberry fruit laced with licorice and mint and soft and fresh lively tannins. Rating: ★★★★★; Equal Top in Category; 98 Points; Winestate Magazine; July August 2022. WINEMAKING Individual parcels of fruit are fermented in...
Max & Me Eden Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (JH 95)
JH 95 From the east-facing bottom block, Selectiv'-harvested, primary fermentation in grape bins, 65% of the must (cuvee) 35 days maceration, the other portion on skins for 16 days, the combined parcels matured in French hogsheads (30% new) for 17 months, 190 dozen made. It flaunts its sexy oak in a devil may care reprise. James Halliday Published 01 August 2020. #MAX
Noon Reserve Cabernet 2019
"Possibly our best Reserve Cabernet ever. Produced from 66% Fruit Trees block and 34% Main Road block Cabernet Sauvignon. After a warm start to harvest in 2019, the weather cooled down from early March and the Cabernet ripened slowly to perfection in the lovely autumn days which followed. Harvested on April 3 (Fruit Trees) and 17 (Main Road). Beautifully fresh varietal flavours and great tannin structure. We love this wine. The Fruit Trees and Main Road blocks are on deep alluvial soil, with enough clay to retain good moisture and in a site cool enough to ensure slow ripening and high flavour development in the grapes. Noon Reserve Cabernet...
O'Leary Walker (Polish/ Armagh) Cabernet 2018 (RJ 96)
Purchase 6 or more and pay 42sgd per bottle. Ray Jordan 96 points. O'Leary Walker Wines was established in 2000 by winemakers David O'Leary and Nick Walker. With over twenty five years experience and established reputations making premium wine with the big companies, these two long time friends decided to take control of their own destiny and craft small batches of wine from some of the best vineyard sites in South Australia. With a great leap of faith they are now doing exactly what they set out to. Sourced from Polish River and Armagh subregions, this wine shows blackberry and spice with mocha chocolate flavours and fine-grained tannins....
Rob Dolan Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Trophy, 95)
Trophy: Best Cabernet HK IWSC 2020. Halliday Wine Companion, 95 points. SA125 clone, 7-day whole berry ferment on skins, 16 months in French oak (35% new). From the Yarraland Vineyard and produced only in outstanding years, Signature keeps true to its Yarra address, lifted and polished with a touch of class. Deep garnet. An essay in letting fruit quality speak true. Pastille, crushed blackberry, clove. Lifted and fine on the palate with subtle forest floor earthiness laced with licorice, fennel. Lingers long. Jeni Port Published 01 August 2020. “Dark purple colour with brick-red edges. Dried herbs, licorice, cassis and hoi-sin – oak is...
Rob Dolan White Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Trophy, JH 95)
Trophy: Best Cabernet Sauvignon - Yarra Valley Wine Show 2018. James Halliday 95 points. Hand-picked and sorted, destemmed whole berries wild-fermented, 15 months in hogsheads (30% new). An elegant medium-bodied cabernet with clear varietal expression courtesy of blackcurrant fruit and fine tannin structure. Gold medal Yarra Valley Wine Show '18. James Halliday Published 01 August 2019. Yarra’s best kept secret is the quality of its cabernet. With depth and structure, this cabernet boasts big fruit and smooth tannins. The 2017 vintage was named the best cabernet in the region at the 2018 Yarra Valley Wine Show. WINE NOTES Colour: deep...
Rockcliffe Third Reef Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Gold, JH 93)
GOLD MEDAL – 2020 Wine Show of Western Australia. James Halliday 93 points. Curranty, boysenberried, smooth-skinned wine with decent shape and length. Tight and closed on first opening and so decanting is definitely advised. Medium in weight but finished with a good strike of dry tannin. It still manages to feel balanced, if only just. Time in a cool, dark space won't do it any harm. Campbell Mattinson Published 01 August 2020. COLOUR Deep crimson with a purple hue. NOSE Displaying a perfumed nose of dark berries and savoury characters. PALATE The palate is full of juicy berries and earthy notes that are well supported by fine grained,...
The Hedonist McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (JH 92)
Certified Biodynamic. James Halliday Wine Companion 92 points. Whole berry fermented as is the wont at this address, helping to facilitate the notable culture of minimal additions at the end of it all. Thereafter, 18 months in larger and smaller used French wood. This is delicious maritime cabernet Easy going, mind you. Far from a behemoth, or a wine than needs extensive cellaring. Sage and bay leaf notes, offsetting olive, blackcurrant and other dark fruits. The oak is well nestled, providing a framework rather than a forcefield. Long and succulent. Ned Goodwin MW Published 01 August 2020 COLOUR Deep ruby red BOUQUET Blackcurrant, a touch...