FERMOY ESTATE Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Robert Parker Score: 96+ points

Reviewer: Erin Larkin — July 2023 Week 16 Jul 2023

Drink 2023–2054

I have tasted the 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon blind, on several occasions, without knowing it was to be included in the lineup. It performed in a most impressive way on each of those occasions, and only once did I pick it as being from Margaret River. Whether that's a good thing or not, or even relevant, is up to you. However, the density of tannin and fruit in the mouth, sculpted as it is by high-class French oak, speaks more of quality Bordeaux or Napa. Yet, once the origins of this wine become clear, the fruit shines with the obvious red/purple fruit spectrum endemic in the Houghton clones (particularly in Wilyabrup, in this part of Margaret River). There are notes of nori, sun-dried kelp, raspberry, pomegranate, tobacco leaf, freshly turned earth, ironstone/iodine, pencil shavings and cigar box. It is both classical and modern in one fell swoop. This is a super wine. I love the tannins through the middle palate and finish. This will live an age. Easily the greatest Cabernet made at Fermoy Estate so far. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.