2017 was a challenging, cool vintage in Margaret River. In truth, this was due to two reasons: the first being that the season was cold, ripening was a challenge, canopy management was key and bunch thinning was a courageous and, in some cases, necessary course of action. The second reason, perhaps controversial to suggest, was that Margaret River has been the beneficiary of near-perfect vintages since the famously wet and cold 2006 vintage. Quite simply, some producers had not seen a vintage that required so much work either ever, or for a long time. In short—the best producers prevailed. This 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is savory and spiced, with tobacco leaf, resin and dark berry fruit in the mix. The tannins are fine—a hallmark of Margaret River Cabernet—but the wine lacks the mid-palate fullness that would elevate it to greatness. A lovely wine in a tough year.