2021 Thompson Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

A delicious, textured and poised cabernet sauvignon with aromas of dark cherries, dark plums, cassis, baking spices and wild herbs. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Layered and precise, with a flavorful finish of excellent length. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

92 points James Suckling

Now we have a step up, as one would expect. Deep crimson colour with aromas of cherries and a mix of dark and red berries. A slightly earthy style with good concentration. The oak is handled a little more deftly here. Attractive red fruits are to the fore on the palate. An impressively persistent and lingering finish. The palate excites more than the nose. All is in balance. For the next six to eight years.

92 points Wine Pilot

Medium red with a subtle tint of purple on the edge; soft rose-petal and blackcurrant/cassis fruit aromas, backed by subtle but positive cedary oak, the palate intense and medium-full bodied, with a solid brush of drying tannins which add serious structure to a wine that could be cellared or drunk young. 01 Feb 2024 Drink 2024–2036

91 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Thompson Estate sits in the heart of Wilyabrup, one of Margaret River’s great Cabernet districts, where maritime breezes from the Indian Ocean and gravelly loam soils create ideal conditions for long, even ripening. The estate was established by cardiologist Peter Thompson and his wife Jane, with a focus on producing classical Margaret River wines from their vineyard on the region’s prized northern stretch. Cabernet is very much at home here, delivering depth and structure without sacrificing perfume or freshness.

The 2021 vintage is regarded as a cooler, more challenging Margaret River season, rewarding careful vineyard management and rigorous fruit selection. This Cabernet has lovely aromatic detail and natural freshness rather than sheer weight. Wilyabrup’s free-draining gravelly soils and maritime climate bring concentration and structure, while measured oak maturation adds complexity without turning the wine into a lumberyard.

Deep crimson with garnet edges, the nose opens with cassis, mulberry and black cherry alongside violet, bay leaf and dried mint. With air come graphite, cedar, cocoa nib and a touch of tobacco leaf. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with dark berry fruit wrapped in fine, savoury tannins and bright acidity. Blackcurrant and plum give way to dried herbs, dark chocolate and a cool gravelly note before a long, composed finish.

Give this one rosemary and garlic lamb cutlets, charcoal-grilled sirloin with café de Paris butter, beef cheeks with creamy mash, mushroom and thyme pie or aged clothbound cheddar. Our pick is the lamb — those caramelised edges, rosemary and pan juices have Margaret River Cabernet written all over them.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2038.