2013 Thompson Estate The Specialist Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety in the blend (85%) with Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc making up the balance.

This is a great example of top flight Margaret River Cabernet, it has remarkable concentration with commensurate tannin and tightly bound french oak complexity that warrants the price point and the wines position in what is already an impressive lineup.

The nose is well integrated and has benefited from extended bottle age prior to release with mulberry and blackberry fruit enjoying a touch of dark chocolate and mint.

There is an array of red and dark fruits on the palate, leading the charge is blackberry fruit that is lifted by cedar oak, there are layers of graphite like tannin that define the mid to back palate with dark chocolate, gentle spice and blackberry to finish.

Time in bottle means this wine is approachable now, but will also cellar for a decade.