Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2017

The Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2017 is a beautifully balanced wine that showcases the best of Margaret River’s red wine potential. On the nose, it presents an inviting bouquet of dark fruits, including blackcurrant, plum, and ripe cherries, which are complemented by hints of cassis and a touch of sweet tobacco. There are subtle nuances of cedar and spice from the oak aging, adding a layer of complexity that enhances the wine’s aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied with a structured tannin profile that provides both depth and elegance. The Cabernet Sauvignon contributes to the wine’s firm backbone, while the Merlot softens the texture, adding a plush, velvety mouthfeel. Flavors of blackberries, dark cherries, and a touch of mocha dominate the palate, with a touch of dried herbs and a hint of vanilla rounding out the complexity. The wine’s acidity is vibrant, offering freshness and balance to the fruit and oak flavors. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering dark fruit notes and fine tannins that promise further aging potential. Serve mildly cool (60°-64° F) after a few minutes of aeration. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2028.

Flametree’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot is an excellent wine to pair with a wide variety of dishes, thanks to its rich fruit profile and structured tannins. Its bold flavors and balanced acidity make it an ideal match for hearty, flavorful dishes. Try pairing it with a classic steak, such as a grilled ribeye or sirloin, where the wine’s tannins complement the richness of the meat and enhance its savory flavors. It also pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, especially when prepared with rosemary and garlic. For those who enjoy dishes with a bit more complexity, this wine is fantastic with braised short ribs or a rich beef Wellington. The wine’s structure and depth of flavor will match the richness of these dishes, providing a harmonious pairing. Additionally, the wine’s fruitiness and oak influence make it a wonderful complement to roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash or root vegetables like carrots.

Flametree Wines is an acclaimed winery located in the picturesque region of Margaret River in Western Australia. Known for its high-quality wines, Flametree has quickly become one of the standout producers in the region. Established in 2007, the winery combines traditional winemaking methods with modern techniques to create wines that express the unique terroir of Margaret River. The region is renowned for its perfect balance of maritime climate, sunny days, and cool nights, all of which contribute to the distinct characteristics of its wines.

Margaret River is one of Australia’s most famous wine-growing areas, particularly known for producing premium red wines. The cool climate allows for slow and even ripening of the grapes, preserving their natural acidity while developing complex flavors. Flametree focuses on producing wines from the region’s best terroirs, with an emphasis on sustainable viticulture. The winery employs environmentally friendly farming practices to ensure the land remains healthy and the wines are as pure and expressive as possible.

The Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend is a quintessential example of Margaret River’s ability to produce world-class wines with exceptional elegance and depth. The fruit for this wine is sourced from carefully selected vineyards, where the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure the highest quality fruit. The vineyard soils are rich in nutrients, and the climate’s cooling breezes from the Indian and Southern Oceans offer the ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to flourish. The region’s renowned gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, which promotes healthy vine growth while concentrating the flavors in the berries.

In the winery, Flametree’s winemaking team takes great care to allow the fruit to express its full potential. After harvesting, the grapes are gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, maintaining the purity of the fruit. The fermentation temperature is carefully controlled to preserve the aromatic qualities and allow for the development of complex flavors. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for several months, allowing the tannins to soften and the wine to integrate its flavors. The result is a rich, balanced, and structured wine that beautifully reflects the excellence of Margaret River’s terroir.

The 2017 vintage of Flametree Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot benefits from the region’s excellent growing conditions. The cool climate and meticulous vineyard management have resulted in a wine with remarkable structure and elegance. This wine is expected to reach its full potential between 2025 and 2028, though it was already beautifully drinkable upon release. Whether enjoyed now or aged further, this wine is a true testament to the quality and character of Margaret River’s vineyards.