2020 Cloudburst Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested 13 March. 10- to 18-year-old own-rooted vines. Spontaneous fermentation with ambient yeasts. Matured for 18–21 months in French oak (mostly new). Squeaky-clean nose, with pristine, ripe dark-cherry and bramble fruit. There is a light but well-judged herbal accent, defining the Cabernet Sauvignon style. Edgy acids are a surprise on the palate, this has real zip. The herbal tones are more pronounced here, and need to knit into the fruit, but there is an underlying intensity to suggest this will come together nicely. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
This is Cabernet Sauvignon in the hands of Will Berliner, slimmed down to the heart of the grape, where it is finessed and full of floral character even in the hot and dry 2020 vintage. There is a sweetness to the fruits, focused more squarely on raspberry and blackberry rather than the cassis of some years, nuanced by liqourice root and black tea. Beautiful fragrant florals that stick to your mouth and nose, not typical to Australian Cab perhaps, but typical to this land, and this winemaker. Waves of flavour that hover over the palate, thoroughly enjoyable. Organic and biodynamic.
About the producer
Cloudburst is a boutique Margaret River winery whose rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. Winemaker-founder Will Berliner released the first vintage of Cloudburst in 2010 to great critical acclaim; his wines are now to be found in the cellars of some of the world’s greatest restaurants.