With its extreme location and narrow stretch of vineyards just a few miles inland from the Indian Ocean, Margaret River is considered the most geographically isolated wine region on the planet. Yet thanks to a maritime climate that sees average mid-season temperatures just 1 degree Celsius warmer than Bordeaux, it should come as no surprise that winemakers are tuning into the area's potential.
Critics from across the world continue to speak glowingly about these wines, and for very good reason. The quality that's consistently available for under £50 puts Margaret River squarely in the conversation for producing some of the best value wines in the world. The only drawback is that international distribution is inconsistent, with Margaret River Cabernets often seeing very little presence in export markets. While options abound for fans of Aussie Shiraz across the world, finding some of the Southern Hemisphere's boutique Cabs can be considerably more challenging.
In the northern sector of Margaret River, not far from the town itself, the tiny hamlet of Wilyabrup (population 193) is home to our most recent discovery the Cherubino Estate.
Established in 2004 by Larry Cherubino and his wife Edwina, the estate has grown considerably from its early days and is not only considered a benchmark for quality in Western Australia but within the country as a whole. A decade ago, renowned Australian wine writer and critic James Halliday recognized Cherubino as his "Winery of the Year" for 2011, and the family has since been awarded "Best Value Winery" (2017) along with a slew of high scores for their estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Today we can share with you the 2019 Cherubino Cabernet Sauvignon at a price that places it front and centre as one of the best value buys from the vintage.
The Cherubino range from the Cherubino Estate represents the sum of their experience and their best-performing parcels. Handmade, with attention to detail taken at every step of the winemaking journey, these are the signature wines of the Cherubino Estate
Scoring 96 points from Vinous' Angus Hughson, he states that, "Larry Cherubino's Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River does not disappoint in 2019... It is fine, detailed and beautifully balanced with exceptional purity. The balance and blend of fruit and structure is remarkable and promises a long life ahead."
Wine Advocate's Erin Larkin calls it, "a very smart wine indeed" and goes on to point out that these wines can be enjoyed young or old, saying, "quality Margaret River Cabernets such as this have a reputation for aging several decades with ease, however they have the added benefit of being attractive in their youth, too".
With this being a spectacular vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon in almost every region across the world, the 2019 Cherubino Cabernet Sauvignon should prove to be a fascinating bottle to follow over the next 15-20 years.
This wine is due into AMFW in the next few weeks, so do let me know if you would like to order and I can confirm, subject to remaining stocks.
Cherubino Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
£175 (6x75) IB
96 Points | Angus Hughson, Vinous
"Larry Cherubino's Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River does not disappoint in 2019. Aromas are powerful, poised and precise - blackcurrant, violets and fresh sage with caramel oak influences couched in nicely behind. Followed by a reserved and elegant palate, it is fine, detailed and beautifully balanced with exceptional purity of fruit and supported by long, fine grained tannins to a very impressive finish. The balance and blend of fruit and structure is remarkable and promises a long life ahead."
95 Points | Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
"The fruit for this 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Wilyabrup area within Margaret River. The cooler year was responsible for wines of aromatic detail and poise, and this is true of this wine before me. This is elegant and shapely, the presence of French oak is showing to be a well-judged affair. A very smart wine indeed. Drink it whenever you like—quality Margaret River Cabernets such as this have a reputation for aging several decades with ease, however they have the added benefit of being attractive in their youth, too."
