MYSTERY GEM I MARGARET RIVER, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023
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The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon from Wilyabrup is a vibrant and sophisticated expression of this classic variety, showcasing depth, precision, and elegance. Its bright purple hue hints at the youthful energy and concentration within.
The wine opens with rich, primary blue forest fruits, layered with blackcurrant and cassis, while complex floral notes and subtle hints of bay leaf, cocoa, and cedary spice from French oak add dimension and refinement. On the palate, it is lifted and focused, with bright blue and black fruit flavours complemented by ripe, juicy tannins that reflect the cool, extended ripening of the vintage. Vibrant acidity enhances the freshness and clarity of the fruit, while the restrained use of oak provides structure, poise, and a silky, layered finish.
Careful winemaking underpins its elegance: fruit from two selected high-density blocks (Houghton and 191 clones) was destemmed and gently fermented, with cold soaks applied to enhance richness without overpowering. Malolactic fermentation in tank was followed by 13 months maturation in French oak barriques, 30% new, resulting in a wine of finesse, depth, and varietal purity.
This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, slow-roasted lamb, or mature hard cheeses, highlighting its layered complexity and structured elegance.
Colour: Bright purple
Nose: Rich, primary blue forest fruits combine with hints of blackcurrant and cassis. Complex floral notes reflect the quality of the vintage, with a touch of classic bay leaf, cocoa and cedary spice from the subtle use of French oak
Palate: A bright and lifted palate with flavours of blue fruits, blackcurrant, and cassis, showing lovely concentration and ripe, juicy tannins that highlight the cool, elongated ripening period of the 2023 vintage. Freshness and v ibrant acidity add to the fruit intensity, while the gentle use of oak provides poise and density with finesse, creating a layered and complex wine
96 points Russ Gallagher, Vino Masters, Dec 2025.
"A concentrated Cabernet showing cassis, black cherry, bay leaf and cedar spice. The palate is structured yet refined, balancing dark fruit richness with elegant tannins.
Notes of graphite, cocoa and dried herb provide classic Margaret River complexity. A clean acid line gives precision and length, leading into a lingering, savoury finish. The wine is confident, polished and varietally pure.
A superb expression of region and variety; poised, polished and classically proportioned."
95 points Ray Jordan, WA Wine Review Jan 2026.
"Like so many cabernets from this vintage, it displays elegance and style, but at the same time, there is structure and poise. A little petit verdot and malbec have been introduced, making an important contribution, but in the main it’s all about the blackcurrant and blackberry notes, even with a touch of dark chocolate. There’s brightness and energy, with deep, vigorous concentration and a lift of light oyster shell minerality carrying it forward. A trace of bay leaf, a little dark chocolate, and that touch of French oak finishes it off. Very impressive wine."
93 points The Vintage Journal, Jan 2026.
"Plump blackberries, dark cherries and a through line of juniper spice. Crushed cardamom pod and vanilla flecks. This punches above its weight with sandy tannins and zippy fruit buoyancy. Its freshness clings to you, with sweet oak a befitting part of the backup chorus. Some dried thyme and dill add another layer. Drink now or will cellar well for another eight years. Pork and fennel sausage pizza, come at me. Drink now–2033"
93 points Gavin Jones, James Suckling, Feb 2025.
"Chocolate, hazelnuts, mulberries and bay leaves on the nose, followed by a full-bodied, fruity and tangy palate. Nicely filled in. Drink now. Screw cap."