McHenry Hohnen, Hazel's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Hazel's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, McHenry Hohnen (Single Vineyard)

Margaret River, Australia

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 13.9% ABV

The Story

Biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, single vineyard wines of Margaret River.

Since its inception McHenry Hohnen has had an unwavering focus on crafting site expressive wines. As the vines age and the soils continue to evolve, the individuality and beauty of the land continually develop in our wines.

The wines of McHenry Hohnen are sourced from the family estate consisting of three vineyards, all located in the southern part of the Margaret River Wine Region: Hazel’s Vineyard and Farm, Calgardup Brook Vineyard and Burnside Vineyard. For decades, founder and owner Murray McHenry has been a leading proponent in pushing the viticultural boundaries of this pristine region. While the portfolio is grounded in Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties, McHenry Hohnen are also well regarded for less traditional varieties for this region such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache, Mataro and Zinfandel.

McHenry Hohnen see their role as stewards of the land and have implemented organic farming practices for many years to create the optimal conditions for soil health and the quality of the grapes harvested. The winemaking team craft wines that pay homage to the site of origin and use low impact techniques combined with an acute attention to detail to achieve the goal of the finest site specific wines.

Whilst the story of McHenry Hohnen is steeped in the history of the region, we look to the future with anticipation as our soil, vines and wines continue to evolve.

Vineyard & Winemaking

100% Hazel’s Vineyard - certified biodynamic in 2020. Our southernmost vineyard characterised by coarse ironstone gravel loam soil, Southern Ocean breezes, a northerly aspect and plenty of Margaret River sunshine.

This parcel of fruit is sourced from a single block at Hazel’s Vineyard. To retain berry integrity the fruit was picked and gently transferred by gravity into vertical 4 tonnes stone fermenters with no temperature control. Extraction was soft and fermentation carried out by the native yeast specific of this vineyard. After two weeks on skins the wine was pressed to French oak barriques, 40% of which was new. The wine was then matured in our underground cellars for 16 months before being racked and bottled after a coarse filtration.

Tasting Notes:

Fragrant aromas of red currants, violets and cedar are complemented by savoury black olive, tobacco and gravel dust undertones. The velvety palate has flash and refinement, revealing hints of cassis, cocoa and graphite well supported by a framework of firm but fine tannins providing length and definition to the palate.

Cellaring & Service

Cellaring Potential: 10-15 years

Serving Temperature: 16–17°C

Allergens: This wine contains sulphites

Accolades

93 pts – “A fragrant, pretty and understated Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon with layers of violet, freshly sawn cedar and blackcurrant aromas wrapped up in understated, high quality oak. An energetic palate follows with lovely bright fruits, and al-dente tannins in support of a long, supple finish. Delicious already but also has the backbone and balance to enjoy over the medium term.”
Angus Hughson, Winepilot

93 pts – “Savoury start with pretty floral accents, straight-away it smells very elegant. Salty,
umami texture, beautifully easy flowing with velvety soft tannins of cocoa powder plush feel, topped with orange rind, graphite tension and dried blood orange type of concentrated acidity. All well-balanced, judiciously measured. A bit of mint and moist dark earth and tobacco complexity, and more umami, really strong nori mouthfeel builds with time.” 
Kasia Sobiesak, The Wine Front

93 pts – “Beautifully soft floral aromas and wild herbs float from the glass, introducing a very harmonious, velvet-textured wine. Dark fruit mingles with gentle spice and dried herbs in a style that feels rather seductively Mediterranean. Fine tannins barely break the flow.” 
Gabriel Stone, Falstaff (UK)

92 pts – “Deep, dark colour and a brooding, reserved bouqet of earthy, tarry black fruits, a herbal note reminiscent of angelica, and the palate is nervy and refined, taut and tense, adding some dark chocolate to the suite of flavours. Long carry, with well-judged tannins adding the right amount of firmness. There's concentration and cellarworthiness.”
Huon Hooke, The Real Review