2023 Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Merlot

A large proportion of the grapes for this wine come from the original 1963 plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines. The remainder is from the more recently planted—1989—Petit Verdot. Whilst the proportions differ every year, depending on fruit set and cropping levels, roughly speaking, the breakdown is as follows: 65% Cabernet sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. The addition of Petit Verdot grapes in the 1990s gave the wine a backbone of tannin and natural acidity. With its long growing season, Petit Verdot grapes are the last to be harvested, usually in mid-April.

The 2023 Amelia Cabernet Merlot blend is a classic from this label. Approachable now with its complex mix of black berries, generous weight and those lovely long tannins that we get from the low yielding 60 plus year old vines. – Maryann Egan

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! 97 points. Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion Sep 2025

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. 96 points.  Gary Walsh, The Winefront Sep 2025

*6 bottle / 10% discount does not apply to this wine