After tasting through 14 wines from Western Australia's Blackwood Valley region, this Nannup Estate Phillip Stanley Cabernet Sauvignon was my top pick.
Seeing French oak for 18 months, I was absorbed by its elegance and poise.
Opening with the savoury tones of black olive, Bay leaf, rosemary sprig and a subtle thread of menthol, these herby characters weave through a core of ripe blackberries and plums. Seductive hints of dark chocolate add depth and warmth, bringing further cause to lean in.
Delicate through the palate, dark fruits unfurl with ease. Ripples of spice add structure and complexity with fine yet assertive tannins as a feature. Reminiscent of brick dust, they provide grip and a structural backbone, carrying the wine to a composed finish.
Excellent stuff from a region that doesn't get the plaudits of its coastal neighbour, this is a Cabernet worth seeking out and is a standout example of the Blackwood Valley's potential.
95/100
Region: Blackwood Valley
