Winemaker Larry Cherubino of Cherubino wines has built a reputation for making superlative quality expressions of Western Australia’s trophy varieties. The namesake Cherubino Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to his deft hand. Rich and redolent—and one for the oak acolytes—we can see it rewarding for the next two decades or more in the cellar.
Made with hand-harvested Margaret River fruit, the grapes undergo six weeks of maceration before being pressed to tank. Deep and intense dark berry and cherry aromas abound, with soft, silky tannins guiding the way.
Everyone understands that cabernet is a variety with a particular proclivity for oak, however there is such a thing as too much. Here, the succulent red fruits that so show the pedigree of Margaret River in this close-to-perfect vintage are almost suffocated by oak. There is no doubt as to the quality, but one wonders why it was necessary. Good length of flavour shows its capacity for ageing, but this is not for now. Age it with confidence for 25+ years.
94 points, Wine Companion (January 2021)
Super deep, rich aromas of raspberries, dark cherries, blackcurrants and plums here with attractive cedary oak also in the mix. The palate delivers such depth and effortlessly rich, smooth dark-berry flavors fill the mouth, amid velvety, ribbon-like tannins. Silky and beautifully resolved.
96 points, JamesSuckling.com (March 2020)
Margaret River
Located three hours south of Perth, Margaret River is Western Australia’s most prestigious wine-growing region. Serious vineyard development began only in the late 1960’s following the publication of a report by John Gladstones in 1965 stating that the area had a similar climate to Pomerol or St Emilion, with low frost risk, plenty of sunshine and equable temperatures within the growing season promoting even ripening. Margaret River’s climate is warm and maritime, with some cooling influence provided by southeast trade winds. The soils derive from granitic and a gneissic rock over which laterite has formed. The region can be divided in three sub-regions: the cooler south between Yallingup and Karridale with predominantly lateritic gravelly loamy sands and sandy loams; the warm and sunnier Willyabrup in the centre with predominantly gravelly loams, but some gritty sandy loams and granitic gravels; and Margaret River in the north with similar soils, but slightly cooler temperatures. This is entirely consistent with style; the wines from Willyabrup being more generous than the highly structured wines of the north and the elegant styles of the south. Margaret River is best known for high quality Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blends and top notch Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends. Over the years, the region has established an astonishing reputation illustrating a consistency in quality and a strongly focused winemaking culture.
