2021 Pierro L.T.Cf Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River

This is lovely for its restraint and approachability, which makes it very easy to drink. Violets and spice, raspberry leaf and freshly rolled tobacco with a hint of menthol. Barely medium bodied, this is finely tuned with sweet red berries, mulberries and cassis, a smidge of cedary oak. There’s a certain elegance here, a softness to the palate, the tannins fine and feathery, acidity bright and the finish lingers. Gorgeous now and will offer more with age.

94 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

The Pierro L.T.Cf Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot from Margaret River is a beautifully balanced Bordeaux-inspired blend, crafted with the precision and artistry that Pierro is renowned for. Pierro, founded by Dr. Mike Peterkin in the late 1970s, has become one of Margaret River’s most respected estates, with a focus on crafting wines of elegance, structure and longevity. The name “L.T.Cf” stands for Little Touch of Cabernet franc, a nod to the blend’s classic Bordeaux heritage, where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a small portion of Cabernet Franc come together in harmony.

In the glass it is deep crimson with garnet edges. The bouquet is fragrant and complex, offering cassis, blackberry and mulberry layered with violets, cedar, bay leaf and a hint of tobacco. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, with ripe black fruits supported by fine-grained tannins and bright natural acidity. Merlot brings plushness and approachability, while Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic lift and savoury spice. The finish is long, poised and elegant, carrying both power and finesse.

Food pairings suit its structure and savoury complexity: roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, beef bourguignon, venison with juniper, or vegetarian dishes like mushroom ragù. Hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or pecorino also pair beautifully. With 10 to 15 years of cellaring potential, the L.T.Cf develops added depth and complexity, evolving into a layered and classical Margaret River red.