Larry Cherubino Pedestal Cabernet Merlot 2019.
The Pedestal Cabernet Merlot from Larry Cherubino is a classic example of this popular red wine blend from Australia. With the grapes hand harvested and the juices aged for a period of time in oan casks the resulting wine is intense in flavour but medium bodied and silky smooth.
Named 'Winery of the Year' in James Halliday's 2011 Wine Companion, Larry Cherubino wants his wines to be distinctive and to speak clearly of their variety and vineyard site. He believes in spending time in the vineyard, in paying attention to canopy and water management, and most importantly, picking at the right time with minimal interference in the winery. From delicate whites to big reds his wines have class and finesse. The prodigious Australian producer also makes wine under the Laissez Faire name. These are a range of natural wines, and they are the ultimate expression of natural winemaking made in small batches from hand-harvested grapes.
Vintage
The 2014 warm summer cooled off in April, allowing the fruit to ripen at a leisurely pace. Frankland River had an outstanding, above-average rainfall throughout the winter and spring months. Spring's exceptional conditions allowed gentle warming for fruit set. The dry, warm days continued until April, which provided excellent quality yields with incredibly fresh and vibrant fruit from the region.
Vineyard
The vineyard was planted in 1998 in Margaret River with 1666 vines per hectare onto their own rootstocks.The vineyard has a beautiful northern aspect maximising the sun's exposure and promoting the ripening potential and concentration of flavours in the grapes.
Winemaking
The fruit was hand-picked, sorted and crushed in static, stainless steel fermenters. The alcoholic fermentation lasted for three weeks with a very gentle maceration. The time on the stems allowed for the softening of the tannins. The components were then aged for 10 months in a combination of new and one-to-two year old French oak barrels, prior to blending and bottling.
Tasting Note
Showcasing the best of the Margaret River region, this deep, inky purple wine shows intense classic Cabernet aromas of blackcurrant. Ample notes of blackcurrant and bay leaf are layered with hints of cedar and chocolate on the palate. Medium bodied, this wine has velvety soft tannins and a long smooth finish.
Serving Suggestion
Ideal with a chargrilled rump with roasted bone marrow, or dishes with dark Portobello mushrooms and baked aubergines.
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Merlot 20%
Country
Australia. Region: Western Australia
Alcohol: 15%
Body Value: C (A is light, E is full bodied)
Residual Sugar: N/A
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: No/No
Milk/Eggs: Yes/Yes
Organic/Biodynamic No/No