Tasting Notes 🍷

• Colour: Deep ruby with garnet hues, indicating both richness and maturity.

• Nose: Aromas of dark berries, complemented by notes of cedar, mint, and subtle eucalyptus, reflecting the classic Cabernet profile of the region.

• Palate: Juicy bramble berries intertwined with hints of milky coffee and spice. The mouthfeel is rich and full-bodied, supported by sinewy yet elegant tannins.

Winemaking Process

Crafted from meticulously selected grapes, this Cabernet Sauvignon underwent a fermentation process designed to extract optimal flavour and tannin structure. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and providing a subtle oak influence that integrates seamlessly with the fruit characteristics.

Vintage Description

The 2016 vintage in Margaret River was marked by favorable conditions, leading to wines of excellent quality. Warm days and cooling ocean breezes provided ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering structure, depth, and balance. This vintage is poised and elegant, showcasing classic blackcurrant aromas, incredibly soft tannins, and a finish of tremendous length.

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Grilled meats such as beef or venison

• Aged hard cheeses

• Rich, tomato-based pasta dishes

Cellaring

This wine is built for longevity and can be enjoyed now or cellared for further complexity over the next decade. Optimal drinking window extends through 2036.

Serving Temperature 🌡️

For optimal enjoyment, serve at room temperature (16-18°C). Decanting before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up and fully express its aromatic profile.

Experience the craftsmanship and regional expression of the 2016 Robert Oatley ‘The Pennant’ Cabernet Sauvignon—a wine that embodies the excellence of Margaret River’s winemaking tradition.

Robert Oatley Wines

Robert Oatley Wines is a celebrated name in Australian winemaking, revered for crafting premium wines that showcase the unique characteristics of Western Australia’s renowned wine regions. With a focus on Margaret River and Frankland River, the family-owned winery has built a legacy of excellence underpinned by meticulous craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and a passion for quality.

A Family Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 2006 by the late Robert (Bob) Oatley AO, the winery draws on decades of winemaking expertise. Bob Oatley’s contributions to Australian wine began in the 1960s, and his family has carried this legacy forward with a commitment to producing wines that reflect the best of their regions. Today, the winery is led by Sandy Oatley and a talented team, including award-winning winemaker Larry Cherubino, whose deep understanding of terroir-driven winemaking ensures that each bottle is a true reflection of place.

Margaret River: A Maritime Gem

Margaret River, located along Western Australia’s pristine coastline, is one of the country’s premier wine regions. Often likened to Bordeaux for its maritime climate, Margaret River enjoys a long growing season, moderated by cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean. This results in grapes with optimal ripeness, vibrant acidity, and fine balance.

Robert Oatley’s wines from Margaret River, particularly their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, are exemplary. Their cabernet sauvignon, a regional hallmark, boasts classic blackcurrant, cassis, and fine tannins, making it a standout on the global stage. Chardonnay, another regional speciality, shines with its balance of citrus brightness and subtle oak integration. Wines like The Pennant and Signature Series are celebrated for their elegance, depth, and capacity to age beautifully.

Frankland River: A Showcase of Structure and Finesse

Frankland River, part of the broader Great Southern region, offers a cooler, more temperate climate than Margaret River. This climate, combined with gravelly soils, is ideal for varieties like cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and riesling. The diurnal temperature shifts allow grapes to ripen slowly, developing concentration and complexity while retaining freshness.

Robert Oatley’s wines from Frankland River are a testament to the region’s potential. Grapes are sourced from exceptional sites, including the historic Justin Vineyard, home to 50-year-old vines. These low-yielding vines produce fruit with remarkable intensity, resulting in wines like The Pennant Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted using traditional techniques such as hand-picking, extended maceration, and up to 22 months of ageing in French oak, these wines are lauded for their soft tannins, depth, and tremendous length. With only six barrels produced in some vintages, they are as rare as they are exquisite.

A Commitment to Craft and Sustainability

Robert Oatley Wines is deeply committed to sustainable viticulture, ensuring that the vineyards are cared for with minimal environmental impact. This focus on sustainability preserves the health of the vines and soil, safeguarding their ability to produce exceptional wines for future generations.

The winery’s dedication to quality extends to every stage of production. From berry-by-berry sorting to rigorous barrel selection, each step reflects the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Robert Oatley’s approach. This has earned the winery a host of accolades, including consistent high scores from The Real Review and Halliday Wine Companion.

Celebrating Regional Excellence

The dual focus on Margaret River and Frankland River allows Robert Oatley Wines to celebrate the diversity of Western Australia’s terroirs. While Margaret River contributes richness and vibrancy, Frankland River offers structure and finesse. Together, they create a portfolio that honours the region’s potential and the Oatley family’s enduring legacy.

Robert Oatley’s wines are a testament to the art of Australian winemaking. Whether it’s the classic cabernet sauvignon from Margaret River or the poised elegance of a Frankland River shiraz, each bottle invites wine lovers to explore the best of Western Australia.