2019 McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

Fermented in concrete, matured for 16 months in French oak (30% new). In recent blind tastings, the McHenry Hohnen Hazel's Vineyard Chardonnay and Cabernet have both come in the top 5 on my page, among eye-watering company: Château Lafite, Château Léoville Poyferré, Chevalier-Montrachet, Les Genevrières and others. The price, when you consider the ability to stand up alongside these wines is equal to but a penny, tuppence... graphite, cassis, mulberry, briny acidity and layers of exotic spice. This is a lush superstar wine, and let me tell you: if McHenry Hohnen isn't on your radar in Margaret River, you aren't doing it right. Drink to 2038.

97 points Special Value Erin Larkin for Halliday Wine Companion, August 2022

This is an address on an inexorable rise, especially over the last few years. Sumptuous scents of blackcurrant, spruce and graphite, with a fleck of green olive, sage and mint at the tail. The tannins are nicely massaged without forfeiting their role as corset for the teeming fruit and salubrious extract. The oak, similarly positioned. An outstanding Margaret River cab, on the richer side of medium-bodied. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. From biodynamically grown grapes.

95 points James Suckling, June 2023

The finely tuned 2019 single vineyard Hazel’s Cabernet Sauvignon from the cooler southern McHenry Hohnen vineyards offers up impressive detail and poise with layers of gravel, turned earth and blackcurrant aromas, topped with cedary complexity. More earthy, mineral tones emerge on the palate well supported by a rich vein of tannins and vibrant acidity through to a composed finish. It is a bit of a sleeper and will be prime condition after another decade in bottle. Drink to 2038.

94 points Angus Hughson for Wine Pilot, September 2023

Tar, cassis and sweet spices on the nose. With air, lead pencil shavings and violets emerge. A cage of tannins contains the ripe core, unfurling slowly. This is a touch reticent in its showing and needs air if you want to drink it young. It will age beautifully. Drink to 2034.

93 points Gabrielle Poy for The Real Review, January 2024

McHenry Hohnen was founded in 2004 by notable Perth wine retailer and hospitality name Murray McHenry and David Hohnen, winemaker and founder of Cape Mentelle and Cloudy Bay.

Murray planted his first vines in Margaret River in 1984 at what is now the Burnside Vineyard. The McHenry Hohnen wines are made from fruit grown in three estate vineyards in the southern part of the Margaret River: Hazel’s at Witchcliffe, Calgardup Brook in Karridale and Burnside enroute to Cowaramup. The vineyards are managed by a team led by Ben Sieber, while Soave-born Jacopo Dalli Cani is in charge back at the winery.