2015 Robert Oatley The Pennant Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon, Great Southern

From the Justin Vineyard, hand-picked and berry-sorted, wild yeast-open fermented, 4-6 weeks on skins, 18 months in new and 1yo low toast French oak. Extremely rich and concentrated, yet isn't the least corpulent - just big and athletic. Creme de cassis, spice and fine-grained oak (ditto tannins). Any other producer would charge twice as much.

97 points Special Value James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

Robert Oatley The Pennant Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon is a striking and deeply regional expression of Cabernet from one of Western Australia’s most exciting terroirs. Frankland River sits high in the Great Southern, where ancient gravelly soils, cool nights and strong winds produce Cabernet with intensity, perfume and firm, age worthy structure. This is a far cry from warmer region styles, favouring line, savoury detail and mineral drive.

The Pennant range represents the pinnacle of the Oatley family’s portfolio, sourcing fruit from exceptional sites and focusing on wines with long term potential. In Frankland River, Cabernet Sauvignon takes on a darker, more brooding character, shaped by the ironstone and gravel soils and the long, slow ripening season.

In the glass, the wine shows blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum, layered with bay leaf, graphite, cedar and a subtle ironstone savoury edge. The palate is powerful yet precise, with fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity carrying the fruit through a long, structured finish. It is intense without being heavy, with real elegance beneath the depth.

This is a superb wine for the table. Roast beef, lamb, venison, mushroom dishes or anything with savoury richness will bring out its complexity and structure.

Robert Oatley The Pennant Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon is built for the cellar. Expect it to evolve beautifully over fifteen to twenty five years, gaining more earthy, tobacco and savoury nuance as it matures. It is a compelling expression of Great Southern Cabernet and a wine that rewards patience.