Domaine Naturaliste Rebus Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Margaret River Cabernet has a reputation for elegance and structure, and Domaine Naturaliste's Rebus is a cracking example of exactly why. Crafted by the talented Bruce Dukes in the celebrated Wilyabrup subregion, this is Cabernet with plenty of character, polish and a little swagger. Aromas of blackcurrant, glazed cherries and ripe blueberries mingle with fragrant violets, cedar and a lovely hint of graphite. The palate is beautifully layered, bringing together juicy redcurrants, dark plums and blackberries with more savoury touches of cacao, liquorice and dried herbs. There's a wonderful tension between the generous fruit and those fine, gravelly tannins that give the wine its unmistakable Margaret River personality. Thoughtful French oak maturation adds a gentle touch of spice and complexity without stealing the spotlight. Medium-bodied yet wonderfully concentrated, it has the sort of structure and balance that promises to develop beautifully with time. The finish is long, savoury and distinctly mineral, leaving you contemplating just how good Australian Cabernet can be. A seriously impressive wine that manages to be sophisticated without taking itself too seriously.