The 2017 is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 13% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. The colour is bright, and remarkably dense and crimson. The nose reveals the classic Wilyabrup Valley combination of violet and brambly red fruits, with a touch of vanillin French oak. The palate follows with a sense of purpose- marching to the beat of red berry and dark berry fruits, with dark cocoa following along in the background. The Finish is polished and sleek, with excellent integration of gravelly tannin and fine acidity. This is a very driven wine- powerful yet supple – it will be best enjoyed from 2024 to 2027.
Enjoy with duck confit with glazed vegetables, or grilled mushroom risotto.
Cabernet sauvignon takes the lead (56%), with decent amounts of malbec and merlot plus petit verdot and cabernet franc. Excellent dark purple-garnet; expect blackberries and mulberries, hints of spices and rosemary and while the oak (17 months in barrel, 30% new) adds to the flavour profile, it'll continue to melt into the wine, now a touch drying on the finish. Plenty of juicy fruit though across the fuller-bodied palate. It's not a big wine just neatly composed.
95 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au 1 August 2019