TASTING NOTES FOR Hope Estate Cracker Cabernet Merlot Western Australia 2020

🍷 Appearance
Deep ruby red with a dark purple core and brilliant clarity. Rich and inviting in the glass, displaying the depth and concentration expected from a premium Western Australian Cabernet Merlot blend.

👃 Aromas
Expressive aromas of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant and cassis leap from the glass, layered with cedar, mint, dark plum and subtle vanillin oak. Hints of dark chocolate and sweet spice add further complexity.

👅 Palate
Full-bodied and generously flavoured, delivering rich blackberry, blackcurrant and dark plum fruit supported by ripe tannins and beautifully integrated French and American oak. Notes of vanilla, dark chocolate and gentle spice add depth, while the fruit sweetness is balanced by savoury structure and excellent drinkability.

🍈 Texture & Finish
Smooth and mouth-filling with polished tannins and a velvety texture. The finish is long and persistent, lingering with ripe dark fruits, vanilla oak, mocha and subtle savoury spice.

🍇 Overall Style
A classic Western Australian Cabernet Merlot offering generous fruit, rich texture and seamless oak integration. Bold yet approachable, it combines Cabernet’s structure with Merlot’s plushness to create a beautifully balanced and crowd-pleasing red.

🍽️ Food Pairing
Perfect with char-grilled rib-eye steak, roast lamb, slow-cooked beef, hearty casseroles, gourmet burgers, mature Cheddar and rich mushroom dishes.

⭐ BBD Verdict
A superb value Cabernet Merlot that delivers generous fruit, silky tannins and impressive depth. Rich, smooth and immensely satisfying, this is a versatile Western Australian red that consistently over-delivers and is an excellent addition to any mixed or straight dozen.

Cheers
Peter Turnbull
Better Buy The Dozen 🍷