Castelli Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Castelli’s recent form has been excellent, with a line of superb Chardonnay and Cabernet (in particular). This Estate Cab is another fine release.

What appeals here is the perfection of balance. It’s unequivocally a Frankland River Cabernet, but with a sense of delicacy, even given the apparent fruit ripeness. It smells comfortably varietal, with lead pencils, a faint hint of grass, milk chocolate oak and then mid-weight blackcurrant fruit. The palate feels especially tightly wound – this is all form rather than fruit width, even though there is clearly currants in there somewhere. Then, the fine-grained, evenly poised tannins on the finish outline the whole wine in a refreshing fashion

Regionally and varietally true Cabernet mastery here, if still a little way off genuine drinkability. The score is a little conservative as a result, but the form is all pointing towards greatness. Best drinking: 2020-2035. 18/20+. 93/100. 14.5%, $40. Would I buy it? Sure would. This would be a lovely red in 8yrs time.