Coming Soon - 2023 Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

2025 marks 62 years since the first vines were planted at Wantirna Estate, established in 1963 on an east-facing slope in Melbourne's southeastern outskirts. Once a mix of orchards, bush, and grasslands, the vineyard thrives today under the care of Maryann, Reg's daughter, though Reg remains actively involved. The wines, named after his four grandchildren, feature labels illustrated by Michael Leunig, reflecting each grandchild's personality, a heartfelt touch to this family-run estate.

Amelia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is crafted primarily from the original 1963 plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with a smaller contribution from Petit Verdot vines planted in 1989. The blend typically consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, though proportions vary yearly. The Petit Verdot, harvested last in mid-April, adds tannin and natural acidity.

Other Reviews....
A 45/45/10% cabernet sauvignon/merlot and cabernet franc/petit verdot blend with the majority coming off the original dry-grown 1963 plantings. A fabulous, bright crimson/purple. A touch riper and richer than the '22. There's a sumptuous core of dark fruits, violets, cedar and fresh pencil shavings on the nose. It's just as enticing on the perfectly pitched, medium bodied, elegant and very persistent palate. Everything is in place for a long and productive life! Drink 2025-2035.
97+ points
Philip Rich - James Halliday's Wine Companion

44% Merlot/Cabernet Franc, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot.
Blackcurrant, raspberry, redcurrant, lots of pencils, a dusty spicy almost peppery top note, roast red capsicum, some menthol, violets too. It’s medium-bodied, very tight with cool glassy acidity, again those pencils and dark tobacco, a fine grainy grip to tannin, with a crunchy cranberry finish of excellent length. It’s a vintage where the Cabernet Franc perfume and brightness seems to ride quite high, and I like that sort of thing very much. And the pencils. I love pencils in my Cabernets. It’s finely-etched and classic in its Yarra Valley restraint. I reckon it’s tops. Drink 2028-2043+.
96 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

The 2023 Amelia Cabernet Sauvignon is leafy and spiced on the nose, with cassis and bramble, graphite and tobacco and delicate notes of cracked black pepper, pomegranate and cherry. This is floral and medium-bodied yet structured by tannins that feel eminently pulverized into the fruit—not a frame, rather a skeleton. I recently had the pleasure of a 1991 Cabernet Merlot from Wantirna Estate, and it was utterly fantastic. A perfect wine that moved into its apogee the following day. It was elegant, intense and incredibly fresh and a bitter disappointment to reach the end of the bottle. From that experience, one could surmise that the drinking window will span 30 or more years with ease. It is so pretty and unforced. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2025-2043.
96 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate