This beautiful wine displays an attractive ruby red colour in a glass. The well balanced bouquet emits medium intensity fragrances of blackberry, dried herbs and earth. It offers coffee, toasted oak and vanilla characters towards the end. The nose smoothly makes way for a lush palate, filled with flavours of juicy forest fruits and soft vanilla, leading to savoury notes. Together with palate coating tannins, these characters culminate in a cocoa and coffee dominated finish.

Our first Cabernet Merlot was produced in 1982. We have always felt that the Merlot grape variety enhanced the Cabernet and in this case at 29%, the Merlot is more than a bit player. Indeed tasters sometimes suggest that the Merlot is dominant, with its velvety, rounded character. Merlot extends the flavour, enhances the finish and performs in a very positive fashion.

"Reticent. Firmly structured. Southern Margaret River across its verdant veins. Lathered in classy oak (23 months' ageing in all), this needs time to liberate itself from its structural carapace. The intensity, however, cannot be denied. Cassis, dried sage, plum and a herbal potpourri mingle within. The sappy length and emerging layers with time in the glass, all bode for a bright future ahead...93 points" (Halliday)

LEEUWIN ESTATE Prelude Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River