Altus/Rise Ascension Cabernet 2023

Years ago, I remember the wife of a famous Burgundian winemaker telling me that a particular vintage was so good that even her two labradors could have made the wine. Margaret River is blessed with a seemingly endless array of great years, but few have matched the glories of 2023. Perhaps those labradors could have got a gig over here that year (which, in no way, is meant to diminish the achievements of the many wonderful Marg River winemakers who have done such a fantastic job). The wine spent ten months in French oak, 15% of it new, for maturation. An opaque purple/maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, blackberries, tobacco leaves, spices, cassis, cocoa beans, aniseed, soy, smoked meats, cloves and coffee beans. There is serious length here and the intensity of the flavours are maintained throughout. The wine is finally balanced, finishing with very fine if slightly chalky tannins. The length is quite incredible. Enjoy this over the next fifteen years, longer if you wish.