2022 Snake + Herring Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot, Margaret River

A cornucopia of rich fruits and spices provides instant pleasure on the nose. It smells great. Blackberries, vanilla pods, lead pencil shavings and rosemary accents to name a few. A suave palate of fruit is enveloped by silty tannins. Precision, richness and depth. A touch of warmth on the finish indicates alcohol, yet it doesn't overbalance the wine. This is a stylish premium cabernet with ample flavour and structure to age. 14 Feb 2024 Drink 2024–2035

95 points Gabrielle Poy therealreview.com

Snake + Herring Cannonball is a bold, energetic take on a classic Bordeaux blend, drawing on the deep gravelly soils and maritime influence of Margaret River. Composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Petit Verdot, this wine wears its region proudly — offering dark fruit, savoury layers and structure with just the right amount of swagger. The name Cannonball hints at its style: juicy, driven and a little daring, yet underpinned by serious winemaking.

Cabernet Sauvignon leads the charge here, delivering blackcurrant, cedar and graphite, while Merlot softens the mid-palate with plum and supple tannins. Petit Verdot adds a burst of colour and spice. The grapes are picked across different Margaret River subregions, then wild-fermented in small batches with a mix of open and closed top fermenters, before ageing in French oak (around 20 percent new) for 14 months.

The nose is a riot of cassis, bay leaf, black olive, dark cherry and subtle tobacco. On the palate, there’s drive and direction — ripe dark fruit wrapped in fine tannin, with savoury herbs, pencil shavings and a flicker of violet. It's muscular without being heavy, and finishes long, with a firm, mineral grip that will please Cabernet lovers.

Food pairing: great with slow-cooked lamb shoulder, beef tagliata, mushroom and lentil stew or grilled eggplant with miso glaze. Also excellent with firm cheeses like aged cheddar or manchego.

Cellar potential: best over the next 6 to 10 years. Tannins are integrated enough to enjoy now, but the wine will evolve beautifully with time.