2021 Ashbrook Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

An attractive offering with a vibrancy of fruit all to the fore, plus a fragrance of violets and menthol. Cassis and blackberries aplenty with a lick of oak spice, plentiful grainy tannins add texture. Acidity is a little brisk yet refreshing nonetheless.

90 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

The Ashbrook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River is a classic expression of one of Australia’s greatest red wine regions, crafted with elegance, balance and a strong sense of place. Established in 1975, Ashbrook is among the oldest family-owned wineries in Margaret River, with vines planted on gravelly loam soils in Wilyabrup – the very heart of Cabernet country. The maritime climate, with cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean, allows Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen slowly and evenly, producing wines with intensity, perfume and structure.

In the glass it is deep crimson with purple hues. The bouquet is fragrant and complex, offering cassis, blackberry and mulberry layered with bay leaf, violets, cedar and a touch of tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with juicy dark fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins and refreshing natural acidity. Subtle oak maturation adds cocoa, spice and savoury depth, while the finish is long and poised, showcasing both power and restraint.

Food pairings suit its structure and classic styling: roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, grilled ribeye steak, venison pie, or mushroom and lentil hotpot. Hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or pecorino also make excellent companions. With 15 to 20 years of cellaring potential, the wine will develop beautifully, gaining complexity with notes of leather, truffle and cigar box while retaining its dark fruit core.