- Winery: Passel Estate
- Wine Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
- Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage: 2019
- Price: $49
- Find it: From the winery direct
- You’ll like this if: You like a nice food red
- Body: Medium
- Mouthfeel: Velvety
- Taste: Complex, mineral, deep
- Flavours: Blackberry, coffee, red currant
- Enjoy it with: A nice meal
- Food pairings: Lamb, slow-cooked beef, mushrooms
Wine review: Passel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Recently, I was sent a few wines from Passel Estate to try, and I couldn’t wait to jump in. I’ve been drinking a lot of lighter reds and whites this Summer, but I knew I had to start with their Cabernet Sauvignon, and I’m so glad I did! The 2019 Passel Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has that effortless, polished confidence that great Cabernets from this region can achieve, with a medium body and not too heavy. Instead, it glides across the palate with fine-grained, velvety tannins and beautiful fruit. In the glass, it’s a deep ruby with aromas of violets, blackcurrant and blackberry. There’s also a hint of coffee and a subtle, earthy and mineral edge.
On the palate, the wine unfolds with layers of blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant woven through with cedar, tobacco, and a hint of mixed spice. The tannins are refined and nicely balanced, giving the wine structure without any hardness. There’s a succulent line of acidity running through the centre that keeps everything fresh and elegant, even as darker notes of mulberry and dark chocolate add depth and complexity. The finish is long and harmonious, lingering with blackcurrant and mineral tones. This is a gorgeous, elegant rendition of Margaret River Cabernet that would pair beautifully with lamb, slow-cooked beef, or a rich mushroom dish.
About Passel Estate
Passel Estate is a small, single-vineyard winery in Margaret River founded by Wendy and Barry Stimpson, who were drawn to the region’s natural beauty and exceptional winegrowing reputation. After relocating to Margaret River in 2005, they established Passel Estate in 2011 on a picturesque property featuring established vines and native bushland. The vineyard, first planted in 1994, is carefully managed to prioritise quality over quantity, with thoughtful site selection, meticulous viticulture practices, and a focus on sustainability as a certified member of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
Under the stewardship of experienced viticulturist Tim Quinlan and highly regarded winemaker Bruce Dukes, Passel Estate produces wines that are refined, expressive, and true to place. Combining scientific rigour with artisanal craftsmanship, the team crafts small-batch wines defined by perfumed fruit, structure, and balance, making Passel Estate a distinctive and sought-after discovery within Margaret River’s prestigious wine landscape.
You can learn more on their website.
Note: This wine was sent as a sample. I was under no obligation to post about it.