2016 McHenry Hohnen Rolling Stone, Margaret River

Cabernet sauvignon 36%, malbec 27%, merlot 27%, petit verdot 10%, all Hazel's Vineyard. It sits on the bolder side of medium weight, but it's superbly elegant and superbly persistent. It presents a velvety flow of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, gravel, peppercorn and wood smoke-like flavours and, while the pull of tannin is strong, the flow of fruit will not be halted. Sensational example of a Margaret River cabernet blend.

97 points Campbell Mattinson winecompanion.com.au August 2020

Deepish red colour with a tint of purple. The bouquet is chocolaty and cedary, Bordelais oak-infused complexity, the palate full-bodied and stately, with good density and drying, savoury tannins. A marvellously elegant, complex, multi-dimensional red, cabernet-driven and follows the Bordeaux model closely. A terrific glass of wine now and for many years hence. 16 Jul 2020 Drink 2020–2040

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

McHenry Hohnen Rolling Stone from Margaret River is the flagship red of the estate and a masterful blend that showcases both power and finesse. Made only in exceptional vintages, it brings together the best parcels of biodynamically farmed fruit from McHenry Hohnen’s southern Margaret River vineyards. Rolling Stone is a Bordeaux-inspired blend with an unmistakable sense of place and an unwavering commitment to quality.

The blend typically includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, sourced primarily from Hazel’s Vineyard near Witchcliffe. This site enjoys cooling breezes from the nearby Indian Ocean, which extend the ripening period and help develop deep flavour while retaining freshness and structure. The gravelly loam and ironstone soils provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wine’s mineral tension and earthy depth.

Winemaking is meticulous. Grapes are hand harvested, fermented in small batches with wild yeasts, and aged in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barriques. Each variety is vinified separately and blended after careful selection, ensuring only the most expressive barrels make it into the final wine.

In the glass, Rolling Stone opens with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, violets, cedar, and baking spice. The palate is rich and layered with dark fruit, graphite, cocoa, and bay leaf wrapped in fine-grained tannins and supported by vibrant acidity. It is full bodied but always in balance with a long, focused finish that speaks to its aging potential.

This is a serious and age-worthy Margaret River red. Rolling Stone delivers elegance, structure, and a deep connection to site, standing proudly among the region’s most compelling Bordeaux-style blends.