Merv and Judy Lange are true pioneers of the Frankland River winegrowing region, they planted their first single hectare of Alkoomi vines by hand, way back in 1971. Today, Alkoomi is one of the largest family owned labels in Western Australia. The balmy mesoclimes which surround their salubrious Frankland River property are so similar to those of Bordeaux, heaven sent for the construct of intensely aromatic Cabernet Merlot wines with magnificent structure, elegance and charm.

$1699each $201DOZEN EACH DOZEN From their initial planting, Alkoomi's area under vine expanded throughout the 1980s and 1990s, growth of vineyards has continued steadily, without sacrificing the naturally low yields which produce concentrated flavour. Vines are all pruned by hand, harvesting occurs in the cool of morning, usually starting just after midnight to ensure grapes arrive at the winery in top condition. Exclusively estate grown Merlot and Cabernet are picked at healthy levels of Baumé to build complexity and heighten flavour profile. Fruit is treated to a brisk tank vinification followed by several months in French oak hogsheads, bottled immediately afterwards to retain the intense fruit character. Alcohol 14.1%

Deep red with crimson hues. Bouquets of mulberry, blood plum and cassis meld with attractive crushed violets, notes of mint and spicy oak. Medium to full bodied palate, displaying a complex blend of flavours reminiscent of dark plums and cassis. Fine grained satin textured tannins lead to a lingering finish of cassis fruit supported by lovely spiced oak. Drinking well right now with a rich tomato pasta or juicy steak.

Located towards the northern reaches of Margaret River, where the invigorating ocean breezes form a unique microclime, Amberley produces wines with elegant flavours, solid structure and fine balance. Secret Lane keeps its promise to deliver smooth, early drinking Cabernet Merlot in fully approachable, contemporary styling. Pleasantly fragrant, with attractive blue and black berry characters, the gentlest tannins and decorous, supportive oak.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN Throughout the ripening period and harvest, vines are closely managed to yield grapes exhibiting a concentration of flavours, good colour and lovely ripe tannins. Fruit is sourced from vines up to twenty five years of age and de-stemmed into open fermenters. Parcels are inoculated and vinified at temperatures between 26˚C and 30˚C, treated to a careful plunging for the gentlest extraction of colour, flavour and tannins. Pressed and fermented to dryness before transfer to barrel for malolactic. Components are matured in exclusively French oak barriques for over a year, before being racked, assembled, lightly fined and bottled.

Dark crimson red with scarlet hue. Aromas of blackcurrant and mulberry spice are complemented by hints of classic Margaret River bay leaf and dried herbs. A rich, supple red wine displaying flavours of cassis and mulberry fruit with an underlying sweet oak spice. The palate persists with its great length of fruit characters, generous and completely integrated, finishing beautifully rounded with fine, powdery tannins. Enjoy with lamb and kipflers.

The Cabernet Merlot wines of Margaret River are famous around the world for their bold, vivid fruit, statuesque structure and penetrating dark berry characters. A confluence of climate and soils, prevailing westerlies and fine soils seem to emulate the propitous terroirs of Bordeaux. It is here that the Merlot and Cabernet grapes have fulfilled their promise to the Australian continent. Breathing Space take their pick of the crop, minimally handled to capture and preserve the conspicuous Margaret River regionality, ensuring that fruit is the defining feature.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN After twelve years working vintage near some of the world's finest's coastal swells in South Africa and California, winemaker, diver and avid angler Matt Byrne settled amongst the dynamic surfing winemaker communities of Margaret River. He discovered some of the world's greatest beaches and familiarized himself with the most splendid viticulture in Australia. Sourced from premiere vineyards, Breathing Space puts a focus on capturing the intense Margaret River regionality while retaining the eloquence of varietal character. Breathing Space are styled for fun, designed to be easy to drink and allow one to escape the chaos of the big city. Alcohol 14.0%

Deep garnet/ purple colour. Lovely bright red strawberry fruit followed by a hint of vanilla showing through on the nose, a balance of Cabernet bramble/cassis and Merlot cherry/plum over supple influence of oak that seems just right. Merlot gives the palate juicy blood plum and pomegranate flavours, lifted by the rich and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium bodied and lingering, the smooth yet rich finish is complimented by a length of stylish, firm and judicious Cabernet tannins.

It was in 1881 that a fine gentleman by the name of Daniel McGregor paid 62 pounds, 2 shillings for a Crown Grant of a hundred acres. The yearly rent for Sussex Location 165 on the fertile banks of Willyabrup Brook was a single peppercorn paid each year on the 25th March, or soon thereafter as demanded. In the 1980s it was replanted to vines, and today is one of the Margaret River's most precious sites for resplendent Cabernet Sauvignon.

$5999each $717DOZEN EACH DOZEN The estate operates fifty two hectares of vineyard at the heart of Margaret River, much of it is planted to Cabernet. Brookland Valley has been recognised for producing wines of exceptional quality, claiming numerous trophies and medals on the wine show circuit. Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates the absolute commitment and focus of the viticultural and winemaking teams to achieve excellence. Grapes are harvested at optimal maturity, de-stemmed and put to small open fermenters. After daily plunging and an extended maceration, the ferment is pressed off to fine French oak for the completion of malolactic, racked several times during the maturation and given a light egg white fine before filtration. Approx 13.5%

Deep, concentrated red in colour. Displays blackcurrant, mulberry leaf and cassis, plum skin fruit aromas, whilst hints of black olive, mint and savoury oak lead into an enticing and complex bouquet. The varietal flavours envelop the palate, dark fruits and tobacco notes prevail. The cabernet expressions are sustained and lengthy, with soft, fine tannins and good acid balance. A wine of great texture and complexity, drinking superbly upon release.

Brookland Valley Estate made a lasting impression through their stirling efforts at Cabernet Merlot when they claimed three significant trophy wins, including the hotly contested Qantas Best Wine of Show. Expressing fully the generous palate structure and aromatic richness of the established Margaret River Cabernet Merlot accord, Verse 1 is fashioned to a contemporary, drink now styling. A beautifully perfumed, bramble flavoured wine, brimming with the quality and elegance which has earned Brookland Valley Estate a five star reputation.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN Brookland Valley is the only company that controls vineyards over the length and breadth of Margaret River. Harvets from the north are invariably sweeter and fuller in flavour, particularly the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Parcels are sourced from good vineyards in the northern districts, grapes are destemmed into static fermenters and inoculated with choice yeast isolates. Ferments are routinely pumped over to extract colour, flavour and tannin. After vinification to complete dryness, batches are treated to malolactic and twelve months maturation in a selection of new and seasoned French oak barrels, followed by the final assemblage and minimal fining. Alcohol 13.5%

Deep plum colour with a brick red hue. Ripe and intense cassis and spice aromas over hints of tobacco leaf and leather, a light leafiness balanced out by fine French oak. Distinguished by fine acid and tannin structure, the palate is softly textured and approachable, a high intensity of fruit flavour, mulberries and blackberry. The subtle oak contributes complexity while achieving balance. Enjoy with roasted quail, Chinese duck or lamb with garlic and rosemary.

When the Scotchmans Hill team embarked on a pursuit to acquire the finest parcels of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Western Australia, they discovered the magnificent national park of Cape Le Grand. White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, the most magnificent wildflowers and sunbathing kangaroos were the added bonus in determining the choicest fruit.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN Scotchmans Hill was established in 1982 by David and Vivienne Browne, on one of the most beautiful landform settings in Australia. After many successful vintages Scotchmans Hill know that any wine can be made in the winery, but really great wine is made in the vineyard. The winemaking team focuses on isolating grapes displaying the most healthy, clean and intense fruit characters possible. From this point the winemaking is about being a conduit for those vineyard characters. Divided into the subregions of Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup, Great Southern provides an ideal environment for cool climate viticulture and distinctive regional wines. Alcohol 14.4%

Deep garnet in appearance. Dark fruits and red berry aromas with a touch of chocolate and spice over a cedar oak background. Generous and ripe on the palate with black currant and red berry fruits with a chocolate and spice inclination before a cedar oak finish. Soft and ripe tannins with good acidity gives overall roundness and richness to the wine. A beautiful wine to pair off with succulent lamb.

A pioneer of the Margaret River, Cape Mentelle boasts a rich history of singular Cabernet vintages. A benchmark regional red, the style has evolved over time to become a wine of opulence, regional identity, varietal purity, structure and charm.

$7999each $957DOZEN EACH DOZEN Cape Mentelle's Rob Mann is grandson to one of Australia's legend winemakers, West Australian pioneer Jack Mann. The father to son skills, handed down and embellished throughout the vintages, translate into some of the country's most distinguished Cabernet wines. The vineyards lie in undulating country surrounding the major water courses that flow west to the Indian Ocean; the Boodjidup Brook, Margaret River and Willyabrup Brook. The climate is categorised as west coast mediterranean the prime features being mild to wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers. The winery's cellar door looks through to the barrel hall, home to over several hundred oak barriques of quietly maturing Cabernet.

Deep garnet in colour. Rich blackcurrant and mulberry fruit with hints of sweet paprika, lavender, dark chocolate and subtle vanillan oak. Full bodied with rich, bold fruit, black cherry and currants, dried tobacco and a slightly mocha oak influence. The rich texture is balanced by smooth, savoury tannins and a bright, fresh and cool finish.

Excellent Langtons Classification. For over thirty years the best parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon have been carefully managed to produce grapes with full concentrated flavour and firm yet fine tannin profile. The style has evolved over time with the aim always to define a wine displaying classic varietal character and opulence, structure, intensity of fruit and strong Margaret River identity.

$7999each $957DOZEN EACH DOZEN Cape Mentelle's Estate Vineyard was planted in 1970 and 1972 on a ridge of free draining, lateritic gravel on an east west row orientation to minimise to affects of strong westerly sea breezes. Grapes are harvested by hand and individually sorted, berry by berry. Fruit is destemmed and lightly crushed. Individual batches are fermented on skins for up to forty days. At the desired balance of fruit and tannin extraction, each batch is gently basket pressed, harder pressings are put aside and wines are racked to a selection of new and seasoned Bordeaux coopered oak barriques for malolactic. Regular rackings over an eighteen month period ensure the individual wines are at their best prior to assembly.

Dark red colour. Classic blackcurrant, bay leaf and tar bouquet amidst hints of lavender bush, elderflower and black mulberries. Finely textured palate, full flavoured and abundant with blackcurrants, hints of cocoa and graphite. The finish is tight and minerally with long and harmonious tannins. Ideally suited to rare roasted saddle of venison with refined jus.

The topical cépage of Cabernet and Merlot enhanced by a smattering of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The majority of fruit is harvested from the exclusive Trinders and Foxcliffe vineyards at Margaret River. Smaller amounts come from a number of long term growers located within the eminent Wallcliffe and Karridale sub districts. Trinders seeks to capture the unique character of the noble Bordeaux varietal mix, grown to the enchanting microclimes along Margaret River, to craft enduring, muscular wines in a fully approachable, modern styling.

$2199each $261DOZEN EACH DOZEN Margaret River produces Australia's soundest and most regionally distinctive Cabernet and Merlot blends. The majority of the vineyard soils are derived from decomposed granite and consist of a gravelly loam over a deep clay subsoil. All vines are vertically shoot positioned and managed to ensure balanced growth during the season. Grapes are destemmed and berry sorted, individual batches are vinified on skins for up to thirty days. When a balance of fruit and tannin extraction is achieved, batches are gently basket pressed, harder pressings are kept aside. Parcels are racked to a selection of new and prior use Bordeaux coopered barriques for malolactic, regular racking and fourteen months maturation. Alcohol 13.5%

Deep red with crimson hues. An array of varietal expression to the nose beginning with wild berries, violets, tobacco leaf and couverture. Medium to full bodied, the wine exhibits a clarity of fruit with vibrant blackcurrants and mulberry combining with subtle chocolate and cedar. The palate is classically structured with firm, savoury tannins leading to a long, rich and bright finish. Enjoy with herb crusted lamb rack and kipfler.

Western Australia Cabernet Merlot has evolved discernible regional style and established an international reputation, a new genre of wine that's quite unique. Debut is drawn from harvests of the finest fruit, grown to good vineyards across the eminent winegrowing precincts of Western Australia. The aim is to fashion a profoundly fruit driven wine, that's supported by supple tannins and a supple veneer of oak, to match tomato meat pastas, gourmandise sausage or juicy cut of lamb.

$1699each $201DOZEN EACH DOZEN Dr Peter and Elizabeth Pratten have spent the last thirty years successfully pursuing their dream of creating quality wines with regional style and elegance. Building on that strong foundation, the Pratten family have been triumphant in focussing on the rudiments of world class viniculture. The team works to the belief that working hand in hand with nature is the best way to produce fine wine. Grapes are destemmed but not crushed for a maximum whole berry inclusion. The must is chilled and cold soaked for several days, followed by traditional fermentation. Musts are pressed, settled and racked off lees for completion of malolactic and a year's maturation in a selection of older oak barrels. Alcohol 14.0%

Rich red hue. Classic Cabernet Merlot nose of cassis, mulberries and capsicum. A supply structured palate exhibiting sweet fruit flavours, currants blackberry and plums. Barrel ferments infuse the wine with a delicious mouthful of chocolate/ cedar notes. Will complement many cuisine, the wine of choice to accompany roast leg of lamb or penne with chunky tomato and pork salsiccia.

Capel Vale bears the fruit of more than thirty years research, trials and improvements in the vineyard. Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and very, very Margaret River, enhanced by a small percentage of classic Bordeaux varietals, a full bodied red wine by one of the region's most distinguished estates, elegant and statuesque, framed by attractive tannins and splendid oak.

$1999each $237DOZEN EACH DOZEN The Margaret River region while cool, experiences an earlier vintage and can support red grape varieties which would not ripen so well elsewhere. The cooling influence of the Indian Ocean permits complex flavours to develop while warm days ripen the tannins. Picked at optimum ripeness from the Scholar Vineyard, vines are carefully husbanded and harvest is carried out to healthy levels of baumé. Fruit is destemmed but not crushed and each batch is handled separately. Treated to a cold maceratation and moderate ferment, yeasts are introduced to increase texture and aromatics. Following vinification and extended maceration, the wine is matured in a selection old and new French oak barriques. Alcohol 14.0%

Vibrant red colour with purple hues. Mulberry, cassis and capsicum overtones. Mulberries, cassis and plum with some secondary chocolate tones. Delicious to drink young for its primary fruit characters, promising great complexity. To accompany beef stroganoff, dukkah crusted lamb, mature cheddar, parmesan or romano.

The balmy vineyards of Great Southern are paradise on earth for the formulation of soft and approachable Cabernot Merlot blends. Cartwheel have inducted a canon of harvests from choice vineyards selected on the basis of good varietal definition, Cabernet Sauvignon with solid structure and sleek tannins, vinified alongside parcels of Merlot with luscious fruit flavours.

$1499each $177DOZEN EACH DOZEN Vineyards in Great Southern enjoy unique maritime conditions typified by cool dry summers and cool wet winters, rather akin to it's sibling mesoclime in Bordeaux. The growing seasons here never fail to come up with the goods, stimulating the vines to yield Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes of profound varietal character. A combination of winemaking practices are employed to enhance and preserve regionality. Fruit is harvested and crushed into traditional fermenters for several days of maceration, followed by inoculation and vinification to a mix of select and indigenous yeasts. Upon completion, Cartwheel is treated to maturation under a mix of fine oaks before assembling components into the finished wine.

Bright berry red in colour. Displays cherry and violets with savoury spice and cinnamon aromas on the bouquet. These characters are shared with the palate and followed up by red currants and blueberry, plum and cassis flavours, a complexity of dried herbs and tobacco leaf supported by gentle tannins and smooth background oak. Enjoy Cartwheel alongside tomato/ meat pasta dishes or barbequed meats.