Plenty of variability in the Clandestine Vineyards range, from the absolute bargains to a whole lot of Almost Club wines. But this Hearts & Minds Cabernet Malbec 2021 is bang on target. Great fruit helps, with the juice for this red coming from the Acacia Ridge Vineyard in Frankland River & Celestial Bay in Margaret River. Nicceee. Matured in 25% new oak, the rest one and two-year-old wood for a huge 20 months in oak. The varietal stamp here is strong. Cedary coffee oak plays a part, but so do the acres of dark berry fruit and the distinct red berry Malbec mid-palate. Gravelly tannins that feel so right, the package threatening to be too dark fruited and hulking, yet pulled back by a savouriness. Big time WA wine right here.
- Best drinking: now and for a decade no probs
- Score (out of 20): 18.5
- Score (out of 100): 94
- Alcohol %: 14.5
- RRP (in $AUD): 60
- Winery website: https://clandestinevineyards.com.au/
- Would I buy it?: let's share a bottle
THE VERDICT
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2 Comments
Sounds really interesting. I’m assuming based on your description (and since it’s cool climate WA) it’s more like Cahors than Mendoza. Might have to get some.
Opened a 2019 Pegasus Virtuoso last night, wow! One of the most Montrachet like wines I’ve had in ages, like La Folatières on steroids. Length, weight, hugely textural and absolutely seamless, the Donaldson’s have nailed it with this one.
Peg Bay can be mindblowing. Some variability but also greatness! Love the Pegasus Bay Riesling selection too.
Meanwhile, this Clandestine is definitely more Cahors, but can’t miss the Cab influence too. Was well received by the rest of my family too FWIW.