Robert Oatley The Pennant Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

The flagship red for the Oatleys hails from Block 12 of the fifty-year-old Justin Vineyard in Frankland River. Berries are sorted into small vessels for maceration and fermentation for four to six weeks on skins. 15 months in new tight-grained, low-toast French oak. The wine undergoes severe barrel selection. This vintage, just five barrels made the cut. 1,404 bottles.  Deep red. The nose has an earthy and slightly feral note. This is cabernet walking on the wild side. Animal skins, undergrowth which cleans up on the palate. Good length, balance and well structured. Powerful, fine concentration, firm finish. A wine with a good future.