2019 Castelli Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Frankland River

A lithe and elegant cabernet of tension and torsion, with fresh-fruited, cedary wood notes meshed finely into the wine and a beautiful extension of flavour on rivulets of fine, grainy tannin. It's super fragrant, while lipsmacking and satisfying in its carriage of blackberry pastille, ripe plum, clove and cedar, minty and leafy herbal elements and a graphite-laced chew from the grippy tannins. It feels superb to drink now but should mature with great grace.

95 points Special Value Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Castelli Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Frankland River is a bold and beautifully structured red that captures the cool-climate power and finesse of this rising star region in Western Australia. Frankland River is fast earning a reputation as one of the country’s best spots for Cabernet, and Castelli’s take is deeply expressive, offering both elegance and intensity at a price point that seriously overdelivers.

The fruit is sourced from select vineyards in the Frankland River subregion, where gravelly soils and a long growing season produce Cabernet with naturally ripe tannins, focused acidity and aromatic lift. The cool conditions allow for extended hang time, developing complexity while maintaining freshness and varietal purity.

Winemaker Mike Garland takes a hands-on approach in the winery, aiming to showcase regional and varietal character without excessive intervention. The wine is fermented in small batches with extended maceration, then matured in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels for around 18 months. This adds structure and depth while letting the fruit shine.

In the glass, it shows classic Cabernet aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry, layered with bay leaf, cedar, olive tapenade and hints of tobacco and cocoa. The palate is full-bodied and finely textured, with ripe tannins, bright acidity and a savoury edge that carries through to a long, clean finish.

Pair it with chargrilled steak, rosemary lamb chops or mushroom stroganoff. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now with decanting but will reward cellaring for 8 to 12 years.