2021 Cherubino Pedestal Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

A juicy cabernet from Margaret River. On the nose you get a mix of red fruits, backed with some nice mulberry and dark plummy blackberry nuances. It's medium bodied with good flavour intensity. The sprinkle of spices and a dusting of dry earth add to its palate feel. $27.00

90 points rayjordan.com.au

The gravelly soils and maritime climate of Margaret River have produced some of Australia's finest Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pedestal stands proudly among the region's modern benchmarks. Larry Cherubino has built a reputation for meticulous vineyard selection and a relentless focus on site expression, crafting wines that combine power with refinement. The Pedestal range represents the pinnacle of that philosophy, showcasing Cabernet Sauvignon with both regional character and remarkable elegance.

Fruit for the 2021 vintage was sourced from exceptional vineyards across Margaret River, where cooling Indian Ocean influences allowed for slow, even ripening and outstanding flavour development. Widely regarded as one of the region's finest recent vintages, 2021 delivered fruit of exceptional concentration, aromatic precision and natural balance. Careful maturation in French oak has added complexity and structure while allowing the purity of the fruit to remain centre stage.

Deep crimson in colour with youthful purple hues, the bouquet is beautifully layered with aromas of cassis, blackberry and dark plum intertwined with notes of cedar, bay leaf and graphite. As the wine opens, hints of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf and fine spice emerge, adding depth and sophistication. The palate is powerful yet beautifully composed, delivering concentrated black fruits framed by fine grained tannins and vibrant acidity. There is a wonderful sense of poise and energy throughout, flowing into a long, persistent finish marked by classic Margaret River savoury complexity.

This is a magnificent companion for herb crusted lamb, chargrilled ribeye, braised beef cheeks, venison loin or a wild mushroom and rosemary pie. While already immensely enjoyable with a decant, the balance and pedigree of the vintage suggest a very long and rewarding future in the cellar.