Wantirna Estate - Amelia Cabernet Merlot - 2022

24% Merlot/Cabernet Franc, 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. This wine weighs in at 12.8%, and in some respects it’s kind of an old school expression of Yarra Cabernet, and it’s making me think about what constitutes great Cabernet... Blackcurrant and red fruits, tobacco and pencils, quite some violet and rosehip perfume, some camphor, roast red capsicum and dried herb. It’s medium-bodied, firm and finely etched, very ‘minerally’, the acidity is crisp and almost cranberried, the tannin offers some chalky and grainy grip, and it’s long and bright to close. This wine has energy and perfume, and while it’s kind of frisky, I reckon it’s really good. Cellaring will unlock further nuance and beauty. 96 Points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front