Clairault Streicker Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
G 93
95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc sourced from the estate Clairault vineyard in Wilyabrup. This has a core of earthly red fruit, persimmon, rhubarb and fig with cassis and blackberries in a halo around. There is a strong maple leaf and autumnal notes of porcini mushroom, leather, and fallen leaves. Oak shows in mocha, dustings of cinnamon and white pepper. Whilst tertiary notes come through, fruit is ripe in the middle palate and shows the deft hand which understands how these sites develop with time in the bottle. This is beautifully elegant and medium bodied; tannins are dusty and fine. This is drinking well now and still has another six to eight years to further shine. A wonderful wine for a slow braise and simmered vegetables. Drink now–2033 Credaro Kinship Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 G 93 Plump blackberries, dark cherries and a through line of juniper spice. Crushed cardamom pod and vanilla flecks. This punches above its weight with sandy tannins and zippy fruit buoyancy. Its freshness clings to you, with sweet oak a befitting part of the backup chorus. Some dried thyme and dill add another layer. Drink now or will cellar well for another eight years. Pork and fennel sausage pizza, come at me. Drink now–2033 Cullen Wines Ephrain Malbec, Petit Verdot 2023 G 93 Named after Ephraim Mayo Clarke, Kevin John Cullen’s grandfather, the fruit for this wine comes from the Mangan Vineyard in the sub-region of Wilyabrup, a blend of their best Malbec and Petit Verdot. The vine age is in excess of half a century. A natural fermentation before eight months’ maturation, 35% of the oak was new. The split was 70% Malbec and 30% Petit Verdot. From the spectacular 2023 vintage, so much can be expected. It does not let us down. The first vintage of this wine was 2000. A pristine style, the colour is a dark magenta. Fragrant on the nose with notes of blackberries, cassis, bay leaves, cassis and beef stock, this is a complete wine. Well balanced with a firm finish which lingers, this will provide pleasure for the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2030–2038
40
The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
Powered by FlippingBook