This was a warm and abundant vintage in Margaret River, and is showing a little less freshness than the 2011 at this stage. Plenty of evident black pepper, smoke and rosemary spice, with touches of black truffle, undergrowth, cinnamon and blackberry, opening to chocolate, black olive and liquorice that give accents to the plum and bilberry fruits. 2,100 bottles produced, 50% new oak.

The 2012 Cloudburst Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple colored with a lovely, profound crème de cassis, blackberry preserves and mulberry-scented nose plus suggestions of mincemeat, soil and cedar. The medium-bodied, elegantly fruited palate is tight-knit and very fresh with a long, mineral-laced finish.

2,100 bottles made. Very pure, intense nose. The palate is a little less intense but there are still lots of round, fine tannins and this wine should have a few more years of pleasure to give. (JR)