Juniper Estate (or just Juniper as it is now labelled) has quite a reputation for crafting archetype Margaret River styles while slipping under the radar. Indeed, they have some of the older plantings in Margs, too, located in the heart of the Wilyabrup dress circle, surrounded by the fanciest names of the region.
This Juniper Cornerstone Karridale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is not from Wilyabrup, but a plot in Karridale – down at the windier, southern edge of the broader Margaret River region. It’s a close-planted vineyard too, which is rare for this part of the world and planted back in 1997. Interesting. There is also 6% Cab Franc & 5% Merlot in the blend for a sprinkle of seasoning.
The wine spends 18 months in 40% new oak, but it all seems up to the task – the overall effect is a regal Margaret River Cabernet. Lots of pencil shavings, fine tannins, lovely mint highlights. The core of dark berries is well up to the task of the oak and tannins too. Classy contained ripeness, power and sophistication. Ties and suits, but warm-hearted with a firm handshake. Has a classic warm year Margs feel to it, but not overripe or forced.
Enjoyable at every turn. Gold medal. Best drinking: bottle age has helped, but hey, you can drink this whenever. Now, five years, ten, maybe even twenty. Proper top dog length says it will live for yonks. 18.5/20, 94/100. 14%, $70. Juniper website. Would I buy it? Yes, I would. This is my bag.
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2 Comments
Mark Messenger has not put a foot wrong in all the years he has been winemaker. His fail-safe estate Cabs. have always been a cellaring fave of mine(loading up when they were only mid 30’s a bottle).
Agreed. A long period of consistent quality.