Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 - Black Market Deal #61018

This wine represents the culmination of a winemaking family's lifelong vision to prove Margaret River could produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. The dream team behind it has achieved remarkable success, earning 95 points from Ray Jordan and recognition as an Iconic Winery. The combination of French and Hungarian oak barrels creates sophisticated complexity without overwhelming the wine's elegant structure.

The 2022 vintage has been recognised as a 'Killer Vintage' in Margaret River, contributing to this wine's exceptional quality. Margaret River's 2022 growing season provided ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing the grapes to develop intense flavours of liquorice, raspberry, and tobacco while maintaining the region's signature elegance. This vintage timing means the wine is drinking beautifully now but has the structure to cellar for years.

The wine's chalky tannins and spice notes make it perfect for rich, protein-heavy dishes like grilled lamb with rosemary or aged beef steaks. The tobacco and liquorice flavours complement game meats beautifully, while the raspberry notes provide enough fruit sweetness to balance strongly flavoured cheeses. The sophisticated oak treatment means it can handle complex sauces and herb-crusted preparations without being overwhelmed.

With its firm structure, chalky tannins, and sophisticated oak integration, this Cabernet is 'built to go the distance' as the winemaker intended. Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignons from top producers typically peak between 8-15 years, and given the 95-point rating and Iconic Winery status, this 2022 should cellar beautifully until at least 2035. The French and Hungarian oak will integrate further over time, allowing the fruit flavours to evolve and develop greater complexity.

The dual oak treatment showcases sophisticated winemaking technique - French oak typically adds subtle vanilla and spice notes with fine tannins, while Hungarian oak contributes more pronounced spice and structure. This combination creates layers of complexity without the 'sluggish weight' that can come from over-oaking. The result is a wine that feels refined and elegant rather than heavy, allowing the Margaret River terroir and Cabernet Sauvignon varietal character to shine through the oak influence.