Lenton Brae Cabernet Merlot 2022

Description

Bruce and Jeanette Tomlinson established Lenton Brae Estate in 1982. It remains family owned and operated with son Edward the current winemaker.
The site of the vineyard was chosen after a chance conversation with Bill Pannell. Bill was the owner of Moss Wood winery and producing wines that were renowned throughout Australia and overseas. During a casual chat between the two men, Bill opined that the soils of one of the newly created properties were uniformly excellent and equal to those of the existing Moss Wood vineyard. Suitably impressed, Bruce decided to purchase the property immediately to the north of Moss Wood. The varieties selected for planting in 1982 were Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Pinot Noir was also originally planted but was removed in line with Bruce’s decision to focus Lenton Brae production on the red and white Bordeaux wine styles.

“In making this wine, the emphasis is on minimal tannin extraction to produce a style rich in flavour with a softness to allow the wine to be enjoyed upon release.

Notes from the winery about the 2022 “In making this wine, the emphasis is on minimal tannin extraction to produce a style rich in flavour with a softness to allow the wine to be enjoyed upon release. Cooler fermentation temperatures and earlier removal of the wine from its skins and seeds avoiding the extraction of bitter, green tannins. 

“The primary fruit for this wine was grown on the estate in Wilyabrup. The wine is supplemented with both extra Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec grown on a neighbouring Wilyabrup vineyard.  This year our blend is 64% Cabernet, 30% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot.    Fermented in open fermenters on skins for 10 days before maturing in a combination of new and older French oak barriques for 15 months. 

“A deep and brooding nose exhibiting mulberry, liquorice, vanilla, cocoa and a hint of bay leaf.  On the palate, a generous, enticing and juicy palate. Red berries, mulberry, with a core of plums are on show. The tannins are very fine, and soft, adding structure and length to the immediately approachable palate.”

A classic Margaret River blend- the tannin of Cabernet Sauvignon beautifully complements the mid palate fruitiness and softness of the Merlot- tasty drinking here.

90 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Blackcurrant, blackberry, tobacco, mint, vanilla and baking spices, a light paprika smokiness too. It’s medium-bodied, juicy bramble fruit, redcurrant jelly, some tobacco savoury stuff, light dusty tannin, with a bright finish of solid length and a softly smoky aftertaste. Good drinking and good value (for Margaret River). Easy to like.”

90 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion “A tangy, juicy, simple drink that’s ready now. It’s savoury yet full of bright fruit, baking spices and a layer of cedary, sweet oak. It’s ripe and fleshy, hovering across a mid-weighted palate, tannins soft and giving. Great barbecue wine and priced accordingly.”