Fonty’s Pool Cabernet Merlot 2008 (Pemberton, WA)
$21, Screwcap, 13.5%
Source:Sample
www.fontyspoolwines.com.au

Lovely part of the world is Fonty’s Pool. If you are ever passing through Manjimup (‘Manji’ to locals) on a hot summers afternoon and find the town empty (or at least emptier than usual), best bet is everyone is swimming at Fonty’s. The vineyard is right next door to the pool too, so you can stop by for a taste after a swim.

Like the nose on this alot. So varietal, and restrained and precise. Tobacco leafiness, some juicy red meat (but not bretty meatiness mind you) and a twinkle of volatility. Smells bigger and more luxurious than the 2007 version, but retains that red fruit and rosemary nose that I like so much. Palate follows this with more leafy, mid weight fruit and some grainy, chocolate shavings like, mildly bitter tannins.

A rather dry and structured red given its price point, this could do with a year or three in the cellar, but still much to enjoy – and chew – right now. Could imagine drinking this with something steaklike. Good. 17/90+