Wantirna 'Amelia' Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2022

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 are different every year, depending on fruit set and cropping levels, roughly speaking the break down is about as follows: 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% cabernet franc and merlot, and 5% petit verdot. The addition of the petit verdot grapes in the 1990s gave the wine an added backbone of tannin and natural acidity. With its long growing season, the petit verdot grapes are the last to be harvested, usually in mid April. 

The 2022 Amelia cabernet sauvignon merlot is showing trademark Amelia elegance and finesse with a little bit extra in ripeness. The 2022 Amelia is a typical Wantirna cabernet blend. The fruit is ripe, the tannins long and the palate reflects the high quality of Cabernets from this area of Australia. The blend this year is 24% merlot/cabernet franc, 66% cabernet sauvignon and 10% petit verdot. Certainly the 2022 it is a wine with tremendous immediate appeal and will definitely age very well. - Maryann Egan 

Blackcurrant and red fruits, tobacco and pencils, quite some violet and rosehip perfume, some camphor, roast red capsicum and dried herb. It?s medium-bodied, firm and finely etched, very ?minerally?, the acidity is crisp and almost cranberried, the tannin offers some chalky and grainy grip, and it?s long and bright to close. This wine has energy and perfume, and while it?s kind of frisky, I reckon it?s really good. Cellaring will unlock further nuance and beauty. 96 points. Gary Walsh, The Winefront Sep 2024