2018 Cherubino Pedestal Elevation Cabernet Merlot Malbec, Margaret River

From Wilyabrup. With 18/9% cabernet franc/malbec. 12 months in oak, further 12 months in bottle prior to release. Cassis, blackberry and mulberry laced with arnica and black licorice. There is a resinous midnight backdrop to all of this, which pushes concentration and power. Pretty remarkable for the price.

95 points Special Value Erin Larkin winecompanion.com.au August 2021

Larry Cherubino has had a particularly distinguished winemaking career, first at Hardys Tintara, then Houghton, and thereafter as consultant/Flying Winemaker in Australia, NZ, South Africa, the US and Italy. He has developed three ranges: at the top is Cherubino (Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon); next The Yard, single vineyard wines from WA; and at the bottom the Ad Hoc label, all single region wines. The range and quality of his wines is extraordinary, the prices irresistible. The runaway success of the business has seen the accumulation of 120ha of vineyards, the appointment of additional winemakers, and Larry’s own appointment as Director of Winemaking for Robert Oatley Vineyards.