At a glance

Producer

Plantagenet

Region

Great Southern, Western Australia

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$50

Tasting profile

Evolved blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, with hints of leather and earth.

Evolution: Shows tertiary notes developing, tannins softened but still present, good acidity balance.

At peak: More integrated tertiary flavors with hints of forest floor and spice, softened tannins, elegant finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium to firm

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

10-20 years from vintage (2004-2024), extended drinking window expected due to structure and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2020

Optimal window

2010 to 2020

Current status

Drinking well with some mature complexity

Current condition

The wine shows developed tertiary notes but retains structure and acidity.

The 2004 vintage in Great Southern was very good with balanced ripeness and acidity, enabling 15+ years of cellaring. The Cabernet Sauvignon's structure allows it to evolve gracefully, currently approaching the plateau of drinking pleasure with noted tertiary complexity while still maintaining fruit character.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roasted game meats, beef stew, hearty mushroom dishes, aged cheddar cheese.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To allow development of nuanced tertiary aromas and soften tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Plantagenet employs water conservation techniques, reduced chemical inputs, and energy-efficient cellar processes; uses lightweight bottles to reduce packaging impact.

While not fully organic or biodynamic, Plantagenet practices sustainable viticulture focusing on environmental stewardship and efficient resource use with continuing improvements in waste reduction and energy conservation.