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Pepper Tree Wines
Single Vineyard Block 21A Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
WrattonbullyA very small and succinct vintage, the smallest yields since 2000. West-facing blocks from Stonefields vineyard in Wrattonbully. Matured in French barriques, 25% new. This sits in a new dimension of spice; first up – cassis and black cherries. Then an army of black peppercorns approaches, with juniper and nigella seeds marching in tow. Shockingly concentrated. The wine shows its slippery side with fresh acidity and powdery, fine tannins. It's quite electric in energy and intensity. A vintage to buy, hold and keep for the long haul. -
Yalumba
The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2018
BarossaSince its first release in 1962, The Signature has been Yalumba's deep dive into the classic Australian blend from the Barossa and one that honors the people who have enhanced the traditions and culture of Yalumba. There is a resonance and depth to this release that I really like. Wonderfully pure and concentrated blackberry and plum fruits, layered with spice, dark chocolate, earth, cedar and oak nuance. Succulent and sinewy in the mouth, it flexes considerable muscle, yet remains purely fruited and approachable even at this stage of its evolution. Rich and balanced with fine, ripe tannin and plenty of energy for such depth of fruit. Lovely. -
Aravina Estate
Wildwood Ridge Reserve Stella BDX 2023
Margaret RiverThe flagship red, and it’s a long way off from being ready, but the journey looks promising. Lots of cassis and currants, baking spices, tapenade, a floral lift and oak, not too much, just right. It is full bodied but contained, with powerful tannins and good acidity throughout. Pop this in the cellar for a few years if you can, or get some hearty fare ready today. -
Domaine Naturaliste
Morus Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Margaret RiverA structured, rich style, yet there’s the unique Margaret River elegance at play, too, which is pleasing. Deep, dark purple, with baking spices, licorice, mint-infused mulberries and blackberries, with the cedary oak integrated yet adding tannins as much as flavour. There’s a whiff of boot polish and a touch of bitter green walnut on the finish, which detracts slightly. Full bodied, with plentiful, velvety tannins, this has a presence that needs more time to settle or can be decanted now. -
Domaine Naturaliste
Rebus Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Margaret RiverSuch a consistently excellent wine in terms of quality and price. While this is a tad nervy from youth, it opens beautifully in the glass; all the elements are there for this to age well. It also has a decent glug, from the 10% cabernet franc in the mix. Opens with mulberries and cassis, all rich and ripe with a dusting of baking spices, dark chocolate, some freshly roasted coffee beans and cedary oak, too. It's concentrated, yet the full-bodied palate is supple and smooth, with finely tuned textural tannins. -
KT
Watervale Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Clare ValleyThis marries richness, smoothness and a sense of energy and lift. Nice work. Dark cherry, cassis, poached forest berries, aniseed, salted licorice, salt bush and bay leaf. Cruises along with supple texture and a slick of lacy tannin. This stains the palate with sweet choc-mint fruit and spice, and lingers with cedar and light clove nuance. Lots on – layers and complexity; an awesome intensity of fruit to appreciate. Beautiful, fuller-flavoured red. -
Mountadam Vineyards
Milton Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Eden ValleyHigh Eden sourced from block 21 on the Mountadam estate at 550m above sea level. Deep crimson and flush with super-pure blackberry, blackcurrant and black cherry fruits. Hints of baking spice, bramble, bay leaf, licorice, cocoa nibs, cedar, sage, crushed herbs and vanillin oak. Glossy and pure with plush, ripe blackberry and cassis tones, dredged with spice and crushed herbs, fine-grained tannins and a finish that sails on for a good while. -
Metala
William Formby Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Langhorne CreekAs with its shiraz sibling, this is no wallflower. It’s a powerful, rich rendition, and yet, everything is in place. The ripe, dark fruit, the spices, the note of iodine, the sweet, spicy oak and the choc-mint are all on show. The full-bodied palate comes drenched in plush, suave tannins, and the finish lingers nicely. -
Mount Horrocks
Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Clare ValleyChoc-mint, cola, dark cherry, some leafy Italian herbal stuff, some malt, Vegemite notes and cinnamon toast; just a lick of the latter things, which add savouriness. Supple texture, a saline mineral charm, sweet cedar and clove oak well integrated. A smooth, long finish follows. Utterly charming and comfortable and great.
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