Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a seriously smooth and beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon from the Great Southern wine region. Its silky tannins, acidity and fruity flavours are balanced along with beautiful oaked notes. This wine goes perfectly with braised beef, roast lamb or even a steak. 

We haven’t been drinking too much red wine lately as it’s been the summer holidays. But over the weekend I enjoyed the Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and it truly blew me away. I’m not usually the biggest Cabernet Sauvignon fan, especially in warmer weather, but this one was something special. Wines like this could make me a super fan yet! This wine is from the Great Southern wine region in Western Australia, which I haven’t had much wine from before. But if this is the sort of wine to come out of this region I am hooked!

About the Great Southern wine region and Duke’s Vineyard

The Great Southern wine region includes five subregions and was instrumental in establishing modern winemaking in Western Australia in the 1960s. It is said the first vines were planted in 1859, but in 1965 trial vineyards were planted and a Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon were made in 1972. The Australian Geographical Indication was registered in 1996.

Today, Reisling and Shiraz dominate the grapes grown in the region alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The focus of these award-winning winemakers is continually improving across classic varietals, while also innovating and exploring.

Duke’s Vineyard emphasises producing fine quality wines at affordable prices, with the motto “…because life’s too short to drink bad wine!” The winery was established after Duke and Hilde Ranson found a property as their retirement. The first vine was planted on the 5th of August, 1999. Their winemaking career began when other people thought of retirement.

In the Riesling belt in the Prongurup, they planted Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The cool climate region produces soft reds and premium Riesling.

Why I loved the Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a seriously delicious wine, and a great price for the quality of the drop. It is a full-bodied red that doesn’t overwhelm you, and that deep purple colour in the glass shouldn’t fool you. The wine is all too easy to sip on with its beautiful balance of acid, tannin and oak. What I loved most about it were the lovely vanilla notes that came from the use of 30% new French Oak barrels. It really added to the wine and softened out the flavours. This coupled with cassis and berries made for an oh so delicious drop. The wine itself was elegant, earthy and smooth. I loved how gentle this Cab Sav ended up being, it was seriously easy to enjoy!

You could enjoy this wine now, or it would keep getting better with cellaring of 10-15 years. But the great thing about this Cabernet Sauvignon is that you could easily enjoy the wine now without having to wait.

What to enjoy it with

The Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is best enjoyed with food because it still has a full body despite being quite smooth. What to pair it with? Well, you can’t go wrong with braised or roasted meat. Think braised beef or roasted lamb. The flavours of these dishes will really compliment this wine. Because it is quite smooth and balanced, I think you could also enjoy it with something not quite as rich, such as a steak or a cheeky burger.

In summary: the Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The Duke’s Vineyard 2017 Magpie Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a seriously delicious wine and one that really makes the Great Southern Region shine. I loved how balanced this wine was with silky tannins, vanilla and a hint of acidity. The wine was smooth and elegant, making it all too easy to drink. Enjoy it now as it is drinking well, or keep it for a few years to further develop the flavours in the wine. I for one don’t think I could wait any longer to enjoy this one!

To purchase this wine, visit the Duke’s Vineyard website.

Note: I was sent this wine as a sample. I was under no obligation to post about it.