RINGBOLT MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Deep ruby-purple core transitioning to a vibrant crimson rim with excellent clarity and intensity.

Nose: Expressive and classic Margaret River Cabernet aromatics featuring pronounced blackcurrant, black cherry, and cassis, complemented by eucalyptus, violets, and bay leaf. Secondary aromas reveal cedar, graphite, and subtle dark chocolate notes with hints of coastal herbs and a touch of fine leather that adds complexity.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied with remarkable balance between concentrated fruit and elegant structure. The entry presents vibrant blackcurrant and dark berry flavors framed by refined tannins and refreshing acidity characteristic of premium Margaret River Cabernet. The mid-palate develops with layers of complexity—black olive, tobacco leaf, and subtle mint notes integrate with well-judged oak influence that contributes cedar and spice elements. The texture shows impressive polish with silky tannins that provide structure without harshness.

Finish: Long and harmonious with persistent dark fruit gradually giving way to savory elements and fine-grained tannins. The finish maintains elegant tension between fruit, acid, and structure—hallmarks of classic Margaret River Cabernet that suggest both immediate appeal and capacity for development.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Producer: Ringbolt Wines (Owned by Treasury Wine Estates)
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Alcohol: 14.0% ABV
Fermentation: Temperature-controlled stainless steel
Aging: 12-14 months in French oak barrels (approximately 20% new)
Production: Limited regional production
Closure: Screw cap

VINEYARD & WINEMAKING NOTES

The 2022 Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon showcases fruit from select vineyards throughout Western Australia's prestigious Margaret River region, with particular focus on the central and northern subregions where Cabernet Sauvignon achieves optimal ripeness and varietal expression. These areas feature gravelly, lateritic soils derived from granite, providing excellent drainage and forcing vines to develop deep root systems that contribute to flavor intensity and structural complexity.

The 2022 growing season in Margaret River was characterized by moderate conditions with sufficient winter rainfall followed by a warm, dry summer with cooling maritime influences. These near-perfect conditions allowed for extended hang time and ideal phenolic development, producing fruit with exceptional concentration, varietal purity, and natural balance.

Harvested at optimal ripeness in small batches, the fruit was gently destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Careful extraction techniques, including gentle pump-overs, were employed to build structure while avoiding harsh tannins. Following fermentation and extended maceration, the wine was transferred to predominantly French oak barrels (approximately 20% new) for 12-14 months of maturation, allowing for integration and complexity while respecting the fruit's natural character.

Ringbolt's winemaking philosophy emphasizes regional expression and varietal purity, creating wines that balance New World fruit intensity with Old World elegance and structure—hallmarks of premium Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb
• Grilled ribeye steak with peppercorn sauce
• Roasted venison loin with juniper berries
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Aged cheddar and gouda cheeses
• Beef Wellington
• Braised short ribs
• Dark chocolate desserts with berries

ABOUT RINGBOLT & MARGARET RIVER

The Ringbolt brand draws its name from the nautical history of Margaret River, referencing the ringbolts used to secure ships to the treacherous coastline during the region's early logging days. This maritime heritage is fitting for a wine region whose character is profoundly influenced by its proximity to the ocean.

Margaret River, despite producing only 3% of Australia's total wine volume, accounts for over 20% of the country's premium wine market. The region's Mediterranean climate, moderated by cooling influences from the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean, creates ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon with exceptional balance and elegance often compared to Bordeaux.

Since its establishment as a wine region in the late 1960s following Dr. John Gladstones' influential research, Margaret River has rapidly evolved into one of Australia's most prestigious wine regions, particularly renowned for its distinctive expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet-based blends.

Owned by Treasury Wine Estates, Ringbolt represents their commitment to showcasing regional excellence across Australia's diverse wine landscapes. The brand focuses on capturing Margaret River's unique capacity to produce Cabernet Sauvignon with the perfect balance of power and elegance, creating wines that showcase the region's distinctive character at accessible price points.

FASCINATING INSIGHTS ABOUT THE WINE

• Margaret River's geographic position between two oceans (Indian Ocean to the west and Southern Ocean to the south) creates a maritime climate with exceptional consistency—experiencing less vintage variation than virtually any other fine wine region in the world.
• The region shares remarkable climatic similarities with Bordeaux, though with more consistent sunshine and less rainfall during the growing season, allowing for reliable ripening while maintaining the elegant structure that distinguishes premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Despite its relatively young age as a wine region (first commercial vineyards planted in the late 1960s), Margaret River has established itself among the world's benchmark regions for Cabernet Sauvignon, regularly producing wines that combine New World fruit expression with Old World structure and aging potential.
• The Ringbolt name references the region's shipwreck-laden history—with over 130 documented shipwrecks along the Margaret River coastline, many ships had to secure themselves to ringbolts mounted in the rocky shores while loading timber during the 19th century.
• The 2022 vintage in Margaret River is considered exceptional, with ideal growing conditions producing wines of remarkable balance and aging potential—continuing the region's string of strong recent vintages.
• Despite its premium positioning in the Australian wine landscape, Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon often represents exceptional value compared to similarly prestigious Cabernet-producing regions globally, with Ringbolt embodying this combination of quality and accessibility.
• The region's ancient granitic soils (among the oldest on Earth at over 2 billion years) contribute to the distinctive mineral complexity and structural elements that characterize Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon.