Fermoy Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Trophy for Best Older Red Wine at the 2021 Wine Show of WA
Gold 2020 Perth Royal Wine Show
Gold 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards

Stuart McCloskey, tasted 18th February "2017 was a year that challenged and ultimately reshaped the Cabernet Sauvignons of Margaret River. By the end of harvest and through the post-fermentation tastings, it was clear that what began as a testing season would be remembered as a great vintage. It is difficult not to draw comparisons with Bordeaux however, Margaret River Cabernets possess a distinct identity - uniquely and unmistakably terroir-driven. They represent a rare convergence of climate, geography, vine age, and winemaking philosophy. Few regions in the world consistently produce Cabernet Sauvignon with such a compelling combination of power, perfume, precision, and value.

The bouquet quite literally weakens the knees - one of those rare, goosebump-inducing moments. Super-dense and seemingly bottomless, the aromatics soar from the glass with crème de cassis, Chinese five spice, boozy black cherry pie and violets lead the way. Notes of Szechuan pepper and dried rose petals follow, intertwined with wood smoke, sea spray and nori. Anise, black olive brine and a twist of orange zest bring up the rear and add more complexity. It feels almost indecent in its allure - the sort of perfume that could be bottled and worn by anyone. Flamboyant, sensual, irresistible. Completely addictive. I’m hooked before even taking the first sip.

Equally astonishing on the palate, the wine delivers in every respect. Flavour and texture flow effortlessly, seemingly without end. Medium-to-full-bodied, the black and blue fruits are rich and densely packed, yet never heavy. This is what sets Margaret River Cabernet apart from many of its New World counterparts. Ripeness and flavour held in perfect tension with beautiful freshness. In the very best examples (such as this) - you truly experience the best of both worlds: generosity and precision, power and poise. The mouthfeel is pure decadence (though never overripe), framed by fantastically velvety tannins. Seamless, wonderfully fresh and seemingly endless on the finish. A monument to the greatness of Margaret River. Truly world class. Drink now or cellar for 20 years. Served using Zalto Bordeaux stemware."

Ray Jordan "These old vines were some of the first on the property. Hand-picked and fermented before 18 months in oak. This is a most stylish cabernet that expresses its power and intensity with a certain elegance. Black fruits with a bay leaf graphite edge scream cabernet. The tannins are long and fine and the oak well managed to ensure it's cradled towards a very long finish. Cellar: 20 years"

Campbell Mattinson, James Halliday.com 18 June 2021 “A substantial red wine, but a svelte one. Creamy oak on curranty fruit with mulberry, tobacco and bay leaf as highlights. There's quite a lot of oak here, but the balance hasn't been thrown. Fruit quality is exemplary”.