This wine embodies our heritage, our future and our dreams. The realisation of a dream seeded by Rob’s grandfather, Jack Mann. Rob recalls being allowed to taste a 1971
Houghton Cabernet at dinner with Jack and his wife Angela at just 10 years old and decided there and then that Cabernet was his future. It’s a privilege to see that dream come to life.
Unorthodox in style, this is a unique expression of Margaret River Cabernet. The fifth release from our dry grown, organically farmed Calgardup Vineyard. Located just 2 km inland from the famous Redgate Beach in Margaret River. The fruit was harvested by hand on the last day of March, individually berry sorted prior to natural, whole berry fermentation in a single French oak vat. Maturation followed in seasoned French oak demi muids for 14 months. The mild dry season was close to perfect, and we could not be more excited about this release. The wines from this vintage have a clarity, freshness and density which bodes well for showing well early, but these will be long lived wines having a wonderful tannin spine and lively acidity. Pomegranate, crème de cassis, violets and rolled tobacco combine for a fragrant and lifted aroma. The wine tastes of the grape, the dirt and the sea with bright black fruits and Dutch licorice complemented by wet slate and nori notes. Medium bodied but packed with personality it has incredible length. It’s worth decanting and pulling out your best glasses despite having to then wash and dry them by hand.