2017 Higher Plane Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon

Juniper Estate purchased the Higher Plane vineyard in 2006 and retained the brand as a point of difference to highlight the unique aspects of the south of Margaret River site as distinct from their original Juniper estate vineyards located in the Wilyabrup district.

A Margaret River steal.

A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot sourced from a single vineyard. Maturation took place in French oak barriques of which 20% were new for a period of 15 months.
Midnight black heart with a deep dark red hue. Elevated scents of red to black currant and mulberry mix with spicy cigar box, black olive and bay leaf notes. Mid weighted, showing terrific richness across the front palate are generous red to black currant and ripe mulberry fruits with infusions of bay leaf, cedary tobacco characters and spicy black olives chiming in for additional complexity. In what surely will be regarded as an absolute steal in years in to come, well integrated, fine grained tannins provide structure for the longer term. Concludes long with typical Margaret River elegance and class.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
Margaret River has, over the years, made a name for itself with its approachable style of cabernet sauvignon – pretty, leafy wines with fragrance and complexity. They are often crowd pleasers and easy drinking in style. This cabernet sauvignon from Higher Plane though is a little more classic and serious than most with cabernet’s firm backbone and ageing potential on display plus more than a nod to Bordeaux.
It’s still looking quite bright and youthful for a four year old with dried herb and cedar aromas underpinned by leafy, blackberry fruits. The palate is then dry, and full-bodied with generous fruit that again shows youthful vitality. Black fruits are on display with a nice little touch of violets too, supported by long, sinewy tannins. It’s ready to go now but also has the stuffing to drink well for another five years at least. Drink 2021-2026.
93 points
Angus Hughson – Wine Pilot