2021 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

A wine we never planned to make…

When you meet a grower who has such a special block sometimes reason has to go out the window purely in pursuit of making the best wine possible. This happened to us when we met Mark Jolliffe, grower of arguably some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in Wilyabrup if not Margaret River. Old vines, un-irrigated, northern facing slopes, high gravel content and Houghtons selection clone with a small amount of SA126.

A cooler year for Cabernet in Margaret River, marked by multiple rain events during the harvest season. This is a year when established, well grown and managed vineyards shine and the Jolliffe Vineyard is no exception. Facing North on a gentle slope most of the heavy rain runs off with a nice exposure of fruit to enable the wind to dry the vines.

Picked by machine harvester with a selective onboard sorting machine, fermented in open top pots with plunging 3 times a day during active ferment. A total maceration of 26 days on skins before pressing to 50% new and 50% one to two year old barrels, all French oak. Matured for 12 months before blending and bottling.

The cooler year means this wine shows some hallmark Margaret River Cabernet characters, slight bay leaf and olive brine over a core of ripe, dark fruits. A juicy red berry acidity frames the tannins, which are slightly angular and chalky. Decant for multiple hours before serving to open up the fruit or age for the next 10-15 years.

Limited production.