2018 McHenry Hohnen Rolling Stone, Margaret River

Runner-up Wine of the Year 2024

A thoroughly exquisite cabernet blend from the great '18 Margaret River vintage. Also has some malbec, merlot and petit to complete the picture. This is the finest Rolling Stone yet released. It's sophisticated and so regally refined with fine tannins and fine-grained oak cradling such beautiful fruit. Perfumed with black fruits displaying ever so subtle mineral, black olive and cracked seashell characters. The palate is endless. A truly great wine.

99 points rayjordanwine.com.au

78/16/3/3% cabernet sauvignon/malbec/merlot/petit verdot. The best parcels of fruit from the Hazel's vineyard. Matured in French oak for 18 months (40% new). We are coming to the end of the premium 2018 releases from Margaret River, so it is a thrill to be able to taste a few more before the tranche is exhausted. This is closed, restrained and cooling, with layers of graphite tannins and salty mineral acidity ... the fruit is supple and elegant, defined wholly by blackberries, mulberries and raspberry coulis. This has eons left in the tank. It would be impatient of you to drink it earlier than 2025 (we would forgive you if you did though, because it is already delicious).

97 points Special Value Erin Larkin winecompanion.com.au

A flagship red blend from Margaret River, showcasing the power, elegance, and complexity that this region is known for. Crafted from the estate’s biodynamically farmed vineyards, Rolling Stone is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The wine is a tribute to the rugged yet refined landscape of Margaret River, where maritime influences and gravelly soils create ideal conditions for producing structured, long-lived reds. McHenry Hohnen, founded by pioneering winemaker David Hohnen, is known for its minimal-intervention philosophy, allowing the fruit to speak for itself while preserving purity and balance.

Deep ruby in color, Rolling Stone offers an intense and layered bouquet of blackcurrant, dark plum, and mulberry, intertwined with notes of graphite, cedar, and dried tobacco. Subtle hints of cocoa, vanilla, and exotic spice emerge from its time in French oak, adding further complexity. The palate is bold yet finely structured, with firm, polished tannins supporting rich dark fruit flavors. A vibrant acidity lifts the wine, ensuring freshness and a long, persistent finish with lingering notes of dark chocolate and crushed herbs.

This full-bodied red pairs beautifully with chargrilled ribeye, slow-roasted lamb shoulder, or venison. Its structure and depth also make it an excellent match for aged cheeses, such as Comté or vintage cheddar. While already expressive, Rolling Stone has remarkable aging potential, evolving gracefully over 15–20 years, revealing even greater nuance and refinement.