2022 Hay Shed Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

It feels cool and relaxed with an abundance of varietal/Margaret River flavours: cassis, mulberries, a dusting of cocoa powder, nori and lots of fresh herbs plus eucalyptus with cedary, sweet oak. Medium bodied and supple with fleshy fruit across the palate and textural, refined tannins. It’s a lovely drink now but will last some distance.

92 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Hay Shed Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Margaret River red that captures the power, structure and elegance this region is known for. Crafted from estate-grown fruit in the Wilyabrup subregion—widely regarded as the heartland of Margaret River Cabernet—this wine reflects both site and style, with winemaker Michael Kerrigan at the helm guiding it with precision and restraint.

The vineyard is planted on gravelly loam soils over clay, with excellent drainage and exposure, creating ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive. Long, dry summers and cool nights allow for slow, even ripening, which preserves acidity and builds aromatic complexity. The fruit is handpicked, fermented in small open-top vessels, and matured for 18 months in French oak barriques, a proportion of which are new, to bring structure and layered detail without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.

In the glass, Hay Shed Hill Cabernet opens with classic regional aromas of blackcurrant, bay leaf, graphite and tobacco leaf, followed by subtle notes of cedar, dark chocolate and violets. The palate is medium to full bodied, with a dense core of black and red berry fruit, finely knit tannins and a savoury, mineral edge. There’s freshness and drive here, with the hallmark line of acidity that gives Margaret River Cabernet its longevity and poise.

This is a versatile wine at the table—excellent with rosemary-crusted lamb rack, braised beef ribs, mushroom and lentil stew or aged cheddar. While drinking beautifully now, it will reward careful cellaring for 8 to 12 years, gaining further complexity and silkiness.

Critics often praise this wine for offering exceptional value and authenticity. It delivers the hallmarks of premium Margaret River Cabernet—structure, aromatic lift, and balance—without the price tag of some of the region’s cult bottlings. Hay Shed Hill remains one of the quiet achievers of the region, and this Cabernet is a true reflection of its pedigree.