Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2023
- 94
- $35
- Drink by: 2026-2046
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2023 is simply a magic vintage for the Margaret River region and this wine reflects just how good it was. The fruit here is sourced mostly from the Wilyabrup sub-region. The blend included 25% Merlot. Maturation was in a mix of new and older French oak barrels for a year, 30% of them new. Dark maroon with a purple rim, the 2023 vintage strikes yet again. This is cracking stuff. The wine is also wonderful value. On the nose we have notes of tobacco leaves, blackberries, plums, coffee beans, leather, animal skins and smoked meats. The structure is perhaps a little austere/foursquare – very Cabernet – and the wine finishes with fine, firm tannins. There is focus and length as well as good balance throughout. This will provide pleasure for at least the next fifteen to twenty years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
