Thompson Estate Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2019

Okay, history tells us that 2019 was a cool year in Margaret River. Should that worry us? No, not necessarily.

The cabernet grape embraces cool years, and winemakers in Margs are pretty perceptive about how to deal with cool years, especially when it comes to picking times (this wine is 14% alcohol, after all, and therefore not shy in the ripeness department) and oak (more on that later). And, in its favour, there is a light and gentle savouriness that adds that extra touch of flavour intrigue.

A cooler season lifts the violet aromatics mixed with cranberry, cherry, blackberry leaf, anise, with a bonus of black olive tang (there’s that savouriness creeping in). While cabernet seems to take the lead aroma-wise, the wine is immediately upfront in the mouth, opening up and filling it with sweet earth, dusty leafiness, olive, blackberry, vanilla pod and rose petal – the sweet spot – before fine, sinewy cab tannins come into play bringing some grip and firmness. Oak throughout is nicely controlled, offering a touch of vanilla and pencil shavings/graphite texture and flavour, an extra expression of the wine. A wine for immediate enjoyment and short-term ageing.