2020 Redbrook Estate Cabernet Merlot

"Varietal Cabernet wines from Margaret River have gained international acclaim in a relatively short period of time. For the IWSC judges to recognise and award a Trophy to our Redbrook Estate Cabernet Merlot, supports our belief that the Cabernet blends are right up there with the pure Cabernet wines of the region. These blends are an exciting secret in Margaret River – wine lovers are only just starting to uncover these world-class wines. It is particularly rewarding to wave the flag for Margaret River on the global stage that has the respect and recognition of the IWSC."

Senior Winemaker Matt Bryne

colour

Deep purple-black in colour with a vibrant purple rim.

aroma & palate

This fragrant, medium bodied blend driven by Cabernet Sauvignon has tremendous length of flavour and a framework that is distinctly Margaret River. Alluring aromatics of violets, bay, black olive and ripe forest berries lead into a silken, effortlessly long palate. 

cellaring

Will show youthful, perfumed notes with fresh fruit flavours upon release. For those after additional complexity and softness, five or more years of bottle age is suggested. 

vintage

Following the cool 2019 vintage, the 2020 vintage in Margaret River returned to a warmer one similar to that experienced in 2018. This produced exceptional quality wines across a large range of varieties and styles with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in particular excelling.

The season started with an early and strong budburst due to warmer soil conditions produced from the drier and warmer than average 2019 winter. This continued into Spring with near perfect conditions experienced during the flowering period (very dry, low RH and minimal wind) which further elevated the potential quality of the coming vintage.

A very dry 4 months with low humidity during the critical ripening period (Jan to Apr 2020) has produced deep, concentrated flavours and highlighted the importance of managing the vine canopies according to the variety and desired wine style. Our established, mature vineyards planted in the 1970’s particularly enjoyed these conditions. 

It was also an exceptional year for the flowering of the native Marri trees which kept the birds distracted from the ripening fruit. The white harvest was over quick with the warm temperatures in early March which then moderated which slowed ripening in the reds and allowed flavour to intensify and tannins to soften. By mid-April we had finished our Cabernet Sauvignon harvest, the latest ripening varietal in the region.

winemaking

As usual, the Merlot typically ripened 3 weeks ahead of the Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruit from our Cabernet Franc vineyard being picked last. Each batch was picked and vinified separately and not blended until 13 months later following maturation on barrel.

The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested late morning to ensure the fruit reached the winery at ~15C which is the optimum temperature to ensure a healthy, even start to fermentation on skins. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc fruit however, were harvested during the coolest part of the very early morning to achieve <10C fruit temperature so it could be cold soaked on skins for ~5 days prior to fermentation of which part was fermented wild with indigenous yeasts. 

The selectively harvested fruit was destemmed with any additional MOG (Material Other than Grapes) such as leaves being removed before the berries were transferred to small stainless steel static fermenters.  The Cabernet Sauvignon underwent partial wild fermentation before a select yeast culture was added at a low rate to finish fermentation which lasted 10 days. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc underwent partial wild fermentation. 

Following fermentation, the Cabernet Sauvignon remained on skins for another 3-5 days before being pressed into French oak hogsheads (300L) of which ~14% were new (the balance 1-2yr French oak hogsheads) where they underwent malolactic fermentation. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc however, were pressed off skins just prior to dryness to achieve the desired blending styles and they were matured separately in seasoned French oak puncheons (500L). No pressings fractions were kept separate. The Cabernet Sauvignon spent 14 months maturing in barrel and the Merlot and Cabernet Franc 12 months and were racked ~twice and topped monthly. 

The wine was then carefully blended barrel by barrel and then bottled without filtration before further maturation in bottle prior to release. Our 2020 wine sees the highest proportion of Merlot in the final blend to date.

region

Margaret River

varieties

• Cabernet Sauvignon 54%
• Merlot 37%
• Cabernet Franc 9%

analysis

• Alcohol: 14.5%
• pH: 3.47
• TA (Acidity): 6.33 g/L
• Gluten Free
• Vegan-friendly

Rosemary-infused lamb shank casserole with soft polenta.

International Wine Show Challenge 2023

"A wine of pedigree with a palate that is beautifully balanced with notes of dark fruits, red berries, pencil shavings, and herbs. Beads of refreshing acidity run through to the powerful finish, demonstrating the skill with which it has been crafted. A sophisticated and age-worthy example."

Margaret River Wine Show 2022

Royal Queensland Wine Awards 2023

Perth Royal Wine Awards 2023

National Wine Show of Australia 2023

Sydney Royal Wine Show 2023

Wine Show of Western Australia 2023

Royal Queensland Wine Awards 2024

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2024

While Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are stamped on the label, percentages unknown even if the latter adds lots of its positive attributes to the wine. A dark red/inky hue laden with mulberries, plums, cassis and a baker’s cupboard full of spices with wafts of tobacco, menthol/eucalyptus. Full bodied and densely packed with flavour and no shortage of structure or tannins. If you imagine being at a rave, this wine is the DJ mixing it right up.

Ray Jordan Wine Guide 2024

Hard to beat this classic Margaret River combination in a very good year. It's more towards medium bodied and so stylish and poised as it drives effortlessly to a long finish. Aromas of graphite and bay leaf reveal immediately with very subtle olive tapenade in the background. The fleshy Merlot fills the palate neatly while the Cabernet adds those firm angular tannins for structure and poise. Has a slightly chewy finish.

95

James Suckling, November 2023

Notes of dark cherries and blackberries with hints of cocoa, licorice and bark. Medium-bodied with firm, chalky tannins and a spiced, red and dark fruit character. Structured and a little chewy at the end.