Clairault Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2023

Blend

84% Cabernet Sauvignon
11% Merlot
5% Petit Verdot

Vineyard

41% Ironstone Vineyard, Wilyabrup
48% Clairault Vineyard, Wilyabrup
11% Yallingup Protea Farm, Yallingup

Growing Note

These blocks have been selected from our three Northern Margaret River vineyards and the fruit harvested in the middle of the night.

Winemaking Note

The Cabernet Sauvignon portion of the blend is de-stemmed and crushed, so that each berry is just split. The Merlot is crushed as to fully expose the delicate flesh and promote a more refined and elegant textural development. The wine was aged in French oak for 10 months before the wine was bottled.

Vintage Conditions

Water resources were well replenished over Winter with low enough temperatures to allow dormancy. The growing season began with a cool and relatively dry spring. Summer turned on at the right time with warm even temperatures, setting the scene for gentle and consistent ripening across all varieties. It was another great vintage, with the seasons all playing their part. A lack of Marri blossom this year meant nets were draped around the region to keep the birds at bay. It was a drawn out vintage, allowing long hang time for our later picking varieties.

Aroma

Cassis, violets, black olives and blue berries

Palate

Black plums, hints of liquorice and dense sheets of coating tannin introduce a palate that treads both the paths of bright and dark, tense and supple. Persistent and voluptuous, the finish is dominated by primary fruit and subtle hints of spice.

Cellaring

Up to 8 years, however we enjoy it for freshness now.

Alcohol

14%