2021 Fire Gully Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

All lighter accents this vintage, from the flavours to the weight of the wine, which is just shy of medium bodied. A hint of cassis, redcurrants, wintergreen, tobacco, freshly ground coffee and warm earth. Feathery, if grainy, tannins and puckering acidity within keep this reined in, while a bitter green walnut finish slightly detracts but is not overt with food.

 91 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au     

Margaret River has built its global reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Reserve bottling from Fire Gully highlights why the region is so highly regarded. Fire Gully is a family run estate located in the Wilyabrup subregion, the heartland of Margaret River Cabernet. Gravelly loam soils over clay, combined with cooling Indian Ocean breezes and long sunshine hours, create ideal conditions for Cabernet to ripen slowly while retaining natural structure and aromatic detail. The Reserve selection draws from the estate’s best parcels to produce a wine with depth, balance and regional character.

Deep crimson with dark ruby hues, the aromas are rich and layered. Blackcurrant and mulberry lead the way, followed by plum, bay leaf and subtle cedar. There is a gentle graphite and dried herb complexity that is unmistakably Margaret River in character.

The wine shows impressive structure and depth, with concentrated dark berry fruit supported by firm yet polished tannins. Notes of cassis, cocoa and spice develop through the mid palate while well judged oak adds shape and length. The finish is long and savoury, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit and subtle tobacco.

It works beautifully alongside roast lamb, chargrilled steak, venison or mature cheddar. With good balance and structure, this Reserve Cabernet will continue to evolve over the next fifteen to twenty years, gradually developing more savoury and earthy complexity.