Flametree Cabernet Merlot 2020

Description

Flametree Wines has had a meteoric rise to become one of the star wineries of the Margaret River wine region. Under the skilled winemaking of Cliff Royle (ex-Voyager Estate) the quality of wines are impressive across the board.
James Halliday … “Flametree, owned by the Towner family (John, Liz, Rob and Annie), has had extraordinary success since its first vintage in 2007. The usual practice of planting a vineyard and then finding someone to make the wine was turned on its head: a state-of-the-art winery was built, and grape purchase agreements signed with growers in the region. Show success was topped by the winning of the Jimmy Watson Trophy with its 2007 Cabernet Merlot. If all this were not enough, Flametree secured the services of winemaker Cliff Royle.”

About this wine from the winemaker:  “The 2018 vintage was another idyllic growing season in Margaret River which began with a nice even budburst after average winter rainfall. A mild spring followed ensuring good flowering and fruit set. A moderate start to summer, with no heat extremes, set up the harvest well with all varieties displaying flavour intensity and bright acidity. There was an abundance of Marri blossom which meant bird pressure was practically non-existent during the harvest period. 2018 will definitely be remembered as an outstanding Margaret River vintage!

The majority of fruit for the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is grown in the Wilyabrup and Yallingup sub-regions, home to many of Margaret River’s most famous Cabernet blends. This fruit brings power and richness to the finished
wine. A parcel from the more southern Wallcliffe sub-region complements the northern, more fruit-driven components, adding a tighter structure and lifted perfume.

“Hand-picked and selective harvested fruit parcels were tipped directly into open or static fermenters for a few days soaking on skins. Once the wild ferment kicked in, we started plunging and pump-overs for subtle tannins extraction. We worked the skins early and then backed off later in the fermentation process. The individual batches were pressed and then transferred into new and used French oak barrels for maturation. After 12 months in 40% new French oak the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot was blended and bottled, no fining was necessary.

“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is aromatic yet juicy and concentrated, showing mulberry, plum and cassis together with dark chocolate notes. The palate shows ripe, fleshy, varietal Cabernet fruit characters finishing with beautifully structured and softer tannins. Merlot adds mid-palate weight and lovely earthy notes while a small amount of Malbec provides further dark fleshy fruit. This is one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blends we’ve produced to date, a direct reflection of the quality of the 2018 vintage.”

Reviews of 2018 :

“Red berries, cassis, salted pomegranate and exotic spice. A tempting nose. The palate is finely layered and spicy, with blackberries, bramble and licorice. Medium bodied, savoury and earthy.”  91 points, Erin Larkin for Halliday Wine Companion.

RRP $33  Our Special Price 26.99 when you buy 6 of this wine.