Too good not to offer
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sheoak Vineyard, Nocturne
Margaret River is at its greatest when wines are like this.
Erin Larkin, robertparker.com, November 2024
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sheoak Vineyard, Nocturne
£195 per 6 bottle case in bond
'Margaret River is at its greatest when wines are like this, with concentrated flavor, weight without heaviness, resolved ductile tannins and purity of fruit.’ So ends Erin Larkin’s review of the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sheoak Vineyard from Nocturne…..and to be frank, I don’t need to say much more as this absolutely nails it. This is a great Cabernet in the making. It comes from the Yallingup Hills to the north of the Margaret River.
I have sung the praises about Julian Langworthy’s Chardonnay from Nocturne, and now must do so about the Cabernet. Don’t worry I am not getting carried away or about to get fan T-shirts printed, but the wines really do impress me. I am not always swayed by Western Australian Cabernet as they do not always show a deft touch – the absence of heaviness described by Erin above – but when they do, they can rival the best Cabernet in the world. And 2023 was a brilliant vintage for Cabernet in Margaret River.
What impresses here is the handling of the fruit, the tannins are silkily expressed, and the youthful core of fruit expresses itself wonderfully well with air – scented, violet notes on the nose, all dark berry fruits, hints of cassis, yes, but more mulberry, blackberry and some red fruit notes. Intensity and persistence without heaviness. Nor is this by any means foursquare, instead showing a fluidity that might almost suggest a touch of Merlot in the blend, loosening things up, and lending some plummy notes. There is only a gentle touch of background toast, a perfectly played influence that does nothing to overpower the fruit. This is a great prospect – a nuanced, finely judged and, above all, elegant Cabernet. But elegance doesn’t mean it lacks substance. Beautiful stuff. It is bottled under screwcap and it just got better and better with air….always a good sign. Two hours plus in an open-necked decanter and you would find this hugely enjoyable right now, but there is a lot more to come. Value and quality combine once more with Nocturne.
In need of further convincing? Read Erin Larkin’s note below – we don’t just share the surname; we share the same appreciation for this great Western Australian Cabernet in the making.
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sheoak Vineyard, Nocturne
£195 per 6 bottle case in bond
97 + points, Erin Larkin, robertparker.com
The 2023 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Sheoak vineyard and leads with all the purity, precision and balance that we have come to expect from the glorious 2023 season. You get cassis, raspberry pip, dried herbs, sheets of nori, iodine and leather. The wine is potently intense; the fruit penetrates the palate and stains it with flavor. The wine is still opening up; it's so young as to be inchoate and with a long, bright future ahead. It has a glittery, purple, shimmering sort of vibrancy to it, as if lit by its own inner light. Margaret River is at its greatest when wines are like this, with concentrated flavor, weight without heaviness, resolved ductile tannins and purity of fruit. Unstoppable. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2024-2043
2023 has been described as a landmark vintage for Cabernet Sauvignon in Western Australia, and it isn’t difficult to see why on this evidence.
Please let us know of your interest.
Simon
simon.larkin@atlasfinewines.com