Wilyabrup

Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

2008 was another superb vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon in the greater Margaret River area and specifically in the epicenter of the region's finest Cabernet in the Wilyabrup Valley.

Individual vineyard lots were fermented separately; with portions being barrel fermented or held on skins for extended maceration depending on their fruit characters. The wine was then matured in new and one year-old French oak barriques for 18 months before being blended, and bottled.

This release comprises predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine structure, with the Merlot contributing mid-palate richness and has a ‘softening’ effect on the tannin and astringency of Cabernet.

This wine displays lifted aromatics of dark fruits, blue berries, black cherries and dark chocolate. The rich, full-bodied palate echoes these flavours displaying fantastic concentration and fruit definition while being gently supported with supple acidity and tannin.

This release is comfortably one of Lenton Brae's greatest Cabernets to date.

Price: $55.00

"Another mighty step up the ladder to be among the best cabernets in the region.

This is pure class. It's tightly controlled with enormous underlying power and weight that carries effortlessly to a long finish. Fine ripe and firm tannins with some seriously good oak complete an outstanding wine."

96/100, Ray Jordan's 2011 WA Wine Guide.

"Unmistakable cassis and mulberry-soaked Cabernet style. The palate's taught and well structured with a juicy swathe of flavour, dense yet fine tannins and superb balance that ensures they don't overwhelm. This will age superbly."

96/100, Nick Stock Wine 100, June 2011

"I've seen several very good wines from Margaret River winery Lenton Brae over the past few years but this is a defining wine from winemaker Ed Tomlinson; quintessentially varietal and regional. While 2007 was a great vintage, cooler 2008 has been less highly regarded but this ticks all the quality boxes.

Small portions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc have been added to the blend, which has lashings of powerful fruit (think blackcurrant, chocolate and eucalypt characters) and is drinking extremely well in its youth. The wine has spent 18 months in French oak but the wood is well integrated and it is impressively complex and structured."

Wine of the week

windsordobbin.com April 2011.