2017 Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia

Brooding and showing plenty of soul, with its savoury plums, black spice and anise, framed by super-fine tannins. Fine-boned and seamless length. *2021 Decanter World Wine Awards*

It's not every day that you come across a mature example of Cabernet Sauvignon from a benchmark region at a price that seems too good to be true. With nearly a decade of bottle age, the 2017 Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon is a rare opportunity to taste a wine well into its aging journey, without paying the premium to do so. Clairault also happens to be one of the original wineries in Margaret River, a region that is well known today as worldclass for producing Bordeaux-inspired wines. A medium-bodied style of Cabernet that is almost reminiscent of “old school” Napa, this wine is decidedly more savory that fruity, brimming with tertiary notes of graphite, fallen leaves and dusty gravel. The core of red current and red plum fruit remains, although slightly more dried in nature versus juicy, along with dried oregano and thyme. The acidity is still refreshing and bright, however, and the alcohol is just 13.5% -- a comparatively lean style of Cabernet compared to flashier, more modern examples. The tannins are also very well-integrated and supple at this point, enhancing the easy-drinking nature of this wine, and the oak has completely receded into the background, allowing the other aromas to weave together without being overshadowed. I’d suggest decanting this wine for an hour or so to let the complex tertiary aromas to fully unfurl. It would be fantastic served alongside so many cold weather dishes – everything from roast chicken or beef stew with button mushrooms. And at just $14.99, it’s well worth picking up a few bottles or even a case to have on hand for the holiday season.