Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
G 97
Leeuwin’s Art Series Cabernet confirmed its position among Margaret River’s very best many vintages ago; this superb release merely reinforces that view. When first looked at some months ago, we debated whether this vs. the subsequent 2023 vintage would prove the superior year. It is a no- lose proposition, as both are superb, but I suspect that in the intervening months, what we have seen from 2023 suggests that it will take the chocolates, as they say in the classics. But fear not, this is only a whisker behind, and indeed, I think that this wine looks even better now than it did then. Stunning stuff. Opaque magenta in colour, the nose meanders through notes of dark chocolate, mocha, coffee beans, tobacco leaves, spices, cassis, tar, graphite and a touch of axle grease in the best possible way. Still very young, there is a fine line of juicy acidity running the length. The wine has laser focus and is very, very long. Such great potential. Enjoy this for at least the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2028–2039
Byron & Harold Gravity Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 96
The final wine is a barrel selection, with maturation over an extended period in French barriques, around one quarter new. The wine reflects just how special the 2023 vintage in this region is. The colour is a gleaming maroon/magenta. There is already evidence of complexity building, and we have alluring aromas of spices, cassis, tobacco leaves, kirsch, charcuterie, blackberries, cigar boxes, plums and aniseed. This is really exciting stuff. There is excellent balance, immaculate oak integration and immense length. The wine finishes with lingering, silky tannins and a fine line of acidity running the journey. Can be cellared to advantage for the next 15 to 20 years. Drink now–2045
Cape Mentelle Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 96
Medium-deep crimson. Fragrant black cherry, hint elderberry, cassis, capsicum aromas with roasted chestnut/vanilla notes. Buoyant pure black cherry, elderberry, blackcurrant flavours, very good mid palate volume, fine-grained cedary tannins and noticeable vanilla, marzipan notes. Finishes long and minerally with seductive sweet fruit notes. Very good modern style but all the elements are still in parts. Best to keep for a while. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot. Drink 2027–2045
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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