Mother's Day High Tea
Sunday 12th May
We're thrilled to announce our partnership with local talent Romain of 'Maison Lassiaille' French Patisserie, bringing you a Mother's Day plan like no other.
Introducing ‘High Tea’ sessions by Cherubino and Maison Lassiaille. Join us on Sunday May 12th, for a day dedicated to celebrating and treating a special mum in your life with elegant delights!
With two seatings available, at 11:30 am and 2:00pm, enjoy a specially curated menu complemented by our award-winning wines 🥂
Tickets are $80 per person, for a day that promises delicious memories of love and appreciation. To explore the full menu click here.
To purchase your tickets please click here.
2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition - 2 x Trophy Winner
20th October 2023
A toast to triumph on the Global Wine Stage!
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that last week, at the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) held in London, Cherubino received two prestigious trophies winning:
- White Wine Producer
- Outstanding Wine Producer
amongst an impressive cache of wines from around the globe!
Cherubino made it to the shortlist due to the numerous gold medals we earned in the recent IWSC competition, with our Pemberton and Margaret River wines notable standouts.
Larry and Edwina Cherubino share “We have a very dedicated team, with some members who have been with us for much of the journey. This award is a fitting reward and recognition for their efforts, as much an achievement for them professionally as for Cherubino”
“We always wanted a wine brand and business that was firmly rooted in viticulture, celebrating the places we love to farm. Building a generational business was and still is our core motivation.”
Larry added “I do hope that this award puts Australia firmly back into focus as there are many producers that also deserve such an award and recognition.”
We are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported us on this incredible journey, from our fantastic viticulture and winemaking team to our partners around the world who share our stories and wines. Your unwavering support has been key in making this achievement possible.
GOLD MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Gingin Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
SILVER MEDAL
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Caves Road Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2019 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
2022 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
BRONZE MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz Block 7
2021 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Rose
2023 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
Ray Jordan 2024 WA Wine Review
December 2023
2019 ChErubiNO buDWOrTh CAbErNEt sAuViGNON
Silky smooth and elegant cabernet from the special Block 6 within the Riversdale Vineyard. There is an ethereal aroma here of violet and red fruit with a cedary blackcurrant overlay. Once you reach the palate you are in a heady zone. Refined and graceful lines based on fine chalky tannins and a liberal well managed use of oak carry the fruit with ease to a sustained long finish.
97/100
2022 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
Superb chardonnay showcasing all that is good with this variety in Margaret River. Aromas of quince, mustard and lemon zest with a grapefruit edge. The palate shows the richness developed from barrel fermentation. The fine grapefruit and crunchy minerality are sustained to a very long finish. A powerful wine of great class.
96/100
2019 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
A glorious example of Frankland cabernet. The varietal notes of blackcurrant and a little black olive are beautifully infiltrated by that regional ironstone character. The palate is a powerhouse with a firm core of new and one-year-old oak working with the firm chalky tannins to carry effortlessly through to a sustained finish. Still quite tight at the moment but extended cellaring will see something special.
97/100
2022 ON THE FRINGE CHARDONNAY
This is a wine that Cherubino has a bit of fun with using lots of different things to create a distinctive and compelling wine. Love the creamy brioche and funky minerally palate. It’s rich and flavoursome with tremendous depth and concentration that finishes with an elegant flourish.
95/100
2022 CHERUBINO OVALE CAVES ROAD CHARDONNAY
As the name suggests the fruit comes from a number of vineyards down this famous road from Karridale, through Wallcliffe through to Wilyabrup. It is such a vibrant and lively crunchy wine with tremendous life in the palate. Distinctive citrus tang with grapefruit and quince paste melon characters. Traces of white peach and a fresh sea spray contribute to the dry slightly savoury finish.
97/100
2021 CHERUBINO OVALE CHANNYBEARUP PINOT NOIR
You’ve gotta love this baby. It’s from an established vineyard in Pemberton. Exotic aromas of violets and strawberries. The palate has tremendous depth and persistence with the use of oak and tannin management superb. The 1000-litre foudres have ensured the oak and fruit integration is harmonious and complete. I’d like to be drinking this over the next five years.
96/100
2022 CHERUBINO OVALE DIJON CHARDONNAY
The delicacy and fineness of this Dijon clone is immediately evident as is the slightly savoury element that distinguishes it from the Gingin clone so dominant in WA. Comes from down at Karridale so it picks up on that cooler climate significance. Having said all that it is a wine displaying a rich palate with a subtle jasmine, honeysuckle and lemon curd richness. Outstanding wine.
96/100
2022 CHERUBINO OVALE GINGIN CHARDONNAY
What a stunning chardonnay from Margs. Opens with a slightly charry edge to the ripe limestone stone fruit characters on the nose. The palate is delicately poised but with a deep intensity. Lemony grapefruit and quince paste emerge from the palate with a fine charry oak and fine acidity to promote a very long finish. Finishes with a crunchy seashell minerality.
96/100
2022 CHERUBINO PEMBERTON CHARDONNAY
A stunner from Cherubino capturing the essence of Pemberton. It comes from the excellent Channybearup vineyard. On the nose you get a flinty, grapefruit and honeysuckle nuance with deeper grapefruit and nectarine influences. The palate delivers with a degree of delicacy yet there is power here…real power that takes it through to a super long finish. That slightly savoury finish completes an outstanding wine.
98/100
Runner up - White Wine of the Year
2022 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER RIESLING
A pure and pristine expression of Frankland River riesling. The aromas of intense lemon zest with an edge of lime are distinctly riesling. The palate is intense with a crunchy lively minerality displaying a degree of classic riesling tension. Slightly powdery bath salts add a further dimension to an already crowded palate.
95/100
2022 CHERUBINO PEMBERTON SAUVIGNON BLANC
A beautiful savvy from the Channybearup vineyard in Pemberton. Made in the fume style which means natural fermentation with maturation in oak for four months. There’s a nutty fruit-driven aroma with a decent splash of citrus. The palate is generous and intense with a degree of complexity you expect from this fume style.
94/100
Cassandra Charlick: My top Western Australian wines of 2023
20th December 2023
Decanter's Western Australia correspondent Cassandra Charlick shares the 10 bottles that resonated most with her from a year of trips and tastings, highlighting gems from Margaret River, Pemberton, Great Southern and Perth Hills – as well as California's Napa Valley.
It’s an interesting task to reflect back on the year that was to tease out 10 top wines. What is it that makes a top wine anyway?
For me, it doesn’t necessarily equate to perfection. Yes, it must have the markers of a well-made wine: harmony, balance, complexity and length. But, above all, it must be truthful and exciting – and it must tell the story of a place and the people who made it.
I narrowed my annual selection down to Western Australia, the largest state in the country and the one in which I live and of whose wines I have the most expertise.
There is little chance that my selection of bottles from Burgundy, Bordeaux or Barolo would compare with the breadth of those tasted by Decanter’s experts in those regions.
The tiny allocations of some of the world’s greatest wines are harder and harder to get a hold of in Australia, let alone afford. However, life Down Under provides me with ample opportunity to explore – and be surprised by – some of the greatest wines made on my doorstep. And, in my humble belief, a number of them deserve a spot among the ‘world’s greatest’ lists.
However, this is not a list of the ‘greatest’ wines. Nor is it a list of ‘top-scoring’ or ‘perfectly made’ wines. It’s my list of top Western Australian wines.
Some in my selection look towards the future: alternative varieties, winemaking styles and regions. A few are a snapshot in time; a moment of beauty captured in just one glass. Several show the evolution of an icon. Some are pure hedonism and unbridled joy, while others are constrained and nuanced.
Wine is an emotional and sensory memory, not a score or a paint-by-numbers exercise. All you need to know is that these wines excited me – and I hope they excite you.
Alongside tasting at my desk, I’ve been privileged to sit through international benchmark tastings, verticals and new releases. I’ve judged wine shows and visited producers. Each of these 10 wines made its mark and provided insight into what Western Australian wine is.
From Margaret River to Pemberton…
Four of my selection are from Margaret River – one of Australia’s wine beacons.
Cullen’s two Legacy series Chardonnays are small-batch, experimental wines continuing the legacy of Kevin John, father of current winemaker Vanya Cullen.
It’s a fascinating exercise to taste the two biodynamic wines side by side (Flower Day and Fruit Day), and these are unequivocally some of the nation’s greatest Chardonnays and true expressions of site.
At Cape Mentelle’s annual International Cabernet Tasting, I was one of the invited judges that blind-tasted 20 Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines, this year from the 2020 vintage.
One wine that gave me goosebumps revealed itself to be the Leeuwin Art Series. I’d earmarked 2019 as the strongest iteration of this wine yet, however 2020 is even more thrilling. It’s edging ever closer to the lofty heights of Leeuwin’s Art Series Chardonnay.
Chenin Blanc is a variety that has a long Western Australian history, which I chart in an upcoming article for Decanter Premium in the new year – along with a slew of great recommendations.
The CBDB (Chenin Blanc Dynamic Blend) from Nick Peterkin’s LAS Vino label is a wine of detail and complexity, proving that this variety can make serious wine. Xanadu’s Chenin Blanc, meanwhile, is like diving into the Indian Ocean: refreshing, invigorating, and uniquely Margaret River.
Larry Cherubino is taking the terroir of Pemberton seriously, laser-beaming on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It’s a little-known region, but has the potential to grow structured and fine Chardonnay – which is also ideal for sparkling. Yuri Bern has made his mark on the national stage with Sittella’s 2010 Grand Prestige Late Disgorged Blanc de Blancs, produced from Pemberton fruit.
…Great Southern to Perth – and Napa
Riesling is a key variety in the Great Southern – a region I’ve been researching for another upcoming Decanter Premium article. Castle Rock is a fine exponent, and its Riesling shone at the Perth Royal Wine Show in the provenance class.
Swinney, meanwhile, is a relatively young wine brand in the Great Southern, but courage and drive has seen its bush-vine Mourvèdre become one of the state’s greatest wines.
The Perth Hills doesn’t get much national or international press for its wines, but Tonon’s Sangiovese – one of many exciting Mediterranean grapes – took home the top gong at the recent Australian Alternative Wine Varieties Wine Show, and it stopped me in my tracks.
My last inclusion is an outlier. Early in the year, I was a fellow at the Wine Writers’ Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley, but a cancelled connecting flight meant I almost missed the entire thing.
Without time for a shower and having been awake for the best part of 48 hours, I slipped into the welcome dinner just in time for the dessert course. Feeling bedraggled, the world stopped still when one of the Symposium speakers, Julia Coney, plonked a glass of 2008 Lang & Reed‘sTwo-Fourteen Cabernet Franc in front of me.
It was just as delicious when I finished it in the bathtub.
Cassandra Charlick: My top wines of 2023
2022 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
Margaret River is Western Australia’s golden child, but the lesser-known region of Pemberton has the capacity to produce nuanced, detailed and fine Chardonnay. The fact that Larry Cherubino has chosen this wine as his flagship Chardonnay is a sign of things to come. The winemaking is essentially the same at his premium Margaret River Chardonnay, yet the cooler, inland terroir of Pemberton speaks loudly in the bottle. This has a fine nose full of spice and an almost piercing line of focus. Fruit is on the crisp citrus spectrum, laden with plenty of minerality. The palate has surprising depth and breadth after the elegance and light fluidity of the nose, and there is serious length on show. A tiny amount of malo and plenty of solids at play. A unique shape defined by precise winemaking and great fruit.
Exclusive Report: Matthew Jukes’ in-depth analysis of Western Australia
27th October 2023
“I have just returned from one of my life’s most fascinating and comprehensive Australian tours…” That’s how Matthew Jukes describes his recent comprehensive tour of Western Australia, taking part and hosting breakthrough tastings and masterclasses right across the region, as well as the chance to taste 100s of wines and assess just where he thinks the region, its wines and producers are heading. Here in this exclusive in-depth, comprehensive report for The Buyer he takes us all on a journey across Western Australia, as he shares his thoughts, feelings and experiences of taking such a deep dive into what the region can offer the world of premium and fine wine. Jukes, arguably the world’s leading non-Australian critic of the country’s wines, also shares his top wines from the WA Good Food Guide & Wine Awards and includes highlights from many of the not to be repeated tastings he was able to host and take part in.
“It is incumbent on the wineries in this unique part of the world to tell their story and pour their wine…” And that is exactly what Matthew Jukes is doing on their behalf in this fascinating, must read examination of what is happening across Western Australia.
I have just returned from one of my life’s most fascinating and comprehensive Australian tours. In just seven days, I managed to bring myself bang up to date with West Australia’s incredible gastronomic scene while tasting countless world-class wines and meeting many of the heroes of Aussie wine.
The collaborative efforts of Georgia Moore (communications tornado and mind behind the uniquely compelling and internationally relevant WA Good Food Guide & Wine Awards), Liz Mencel (program manager of WA Wines to the World; the state’s export growth program coordinated by Wines of Western Australia), Mark Forrest (Great Southern Wine Producers’ Association), Amanda Whiteland (Margaret River Wine Association), as well as all of the wineries, restaurants and hospitality experts involved, meant that this was as slick, top quality and fascinating as any wine week I have ever had the pleasure of attending.
It is worth noting that winemakers Larry Cherubino and Matt Swinney, who personally organised two of the finest masterclasses I have ever had the pleasure of working on, set the standard for this week of phenomenal events. In addition, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with wine writer Mike Bennie and Erin Larkin, two wine scribes whom I greatly admire and see far too rarely, as well as joining Nick Ryan on various co-hosting duties which invariably turned out to be as much bombastic theatre and far-fetched opinion as they did incisive wine chatter.
I met a couple of new faces, including head sommelier and buyer for the Kails Hospitality Group, Nina Throsby, who was a joy to chat to, Emma Farrelly (director of wine & beverages at State Buildings, who is always worth listening to for the most cutting edge assessments of Aussie wine, and also Cassandra Charlick, wine, travel and food writer whose opinions and palate brought another welcome dimension and fresh set of taste buds to all of our discussions.
Against this background of wonderful people, amazingly organised events and perfectly prepared food, the wines stood their finest chance of showing at their best.
Here is a list of my standout West Australian wines of the week from each event on my itinerary.
Chardonnay Exposé – Single Vineyard Margaret River Chardonnays from the 2022 vintage at Frui Momento
Host Larry Cherubino invited nine of the top Chardonnay producers in the region for an open debate on the virtues of single vineyard Chardonnays in Margaret River. Nick Ryan, Cassandra Charlick, and I took the 50-strong guests through the wines accompanied by a fabulous lunch cooked by award-winning chef Seth James.
The award winning restaurant Frui Momento (above) was the host for the Chardonnay Exposé – Single Vineyard Margaret River Chardonnays from the 2022 vintage. Photo Matthew Jukes.
Here are my brief thoughts on the wines.
In conclusion, it was not surprising that the room was of one voice that Margaret River makes some of the greatest Chardonnays on earth and that single vineyard wines were a vital element in each winery’s offering. Every wine tasted entirely different from the next, and even those wines made 50m apart showed the kind of diversity we have come to expect from the feted wines of Burgundy.
With a unique maritime setting accompanied by sunny days and cool nights, one gets the feeling that Margaret River might, hopefully, be a rare climate-change-proof wine region of the world, at least for the foreseeable future. Those wines utilising sensitive oak regimes and blessed with low natural alcohol levels and pristine fruit, accompanied by stunning acidity itself affording intrinsic age-worthiness, are already shining on a world stage.
It is clear that the future is very bright for Margaret River Chardonnay. It is incumbent on the wineries in this unique part of the world to tell their story and pour their wine. I, for one, think that they cannot fail to attract consumers worldwide with their superbly well-made and entirely unforgettable wines.
2022 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
60% new oak, Dijon clone, 12.9% alc.
This is an awesome example of a single vineyard wine showing charm, individuality and flair. If this skill level can be deployed at fair pricing overseas, the clamour for elite Margaret River wines with identity will reach epic levels before too long.
A-Z of Individual West Australian Wine Highlights
2022 Cherubino pemberton Chardonnay
This was one of the most erudite and impressive wines of the entire week and it was opened on a whim one evening and not part of the formal program. There is no doubt that Pemberton’s potential is completely untapped, and on account of the brilliant sunshine and extraordinary natural acidity inherent in its wines, I cannot possibly imagine what the future holds.
If Larry’s Margaret River wines are impressive (which they truly are), then the wines from Pemberton, given time, might rival the greatest in the country. This is a vital wine for all die-hard Chardonnay enthusiasts to track down and taste.
2019 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
Not wanting to withhold information about this wine, but equally excited to point interested parties to my recently released 100 Best Australian Wines Report 2023/24, this wine is a star in my report; garnering a new-perfect score. Suffice it to say, it was one of the highest-scoring wines of the entire week.
2022 Cherubino frankland river Shiraz
This wine confounds the senses with rose petals colliding with blueberry and plum notes and Italianate acidity. It is crisp and tangy, with Nebbiolo-like tannins that gently rake the palate, scattering yet more fruit drenched in mineral-soaked acidity. With a vast array of clones from Australia, France and New Zealand, there is considerable stamina and ripeness here, but no new oak is present. Instead, half sees in 7-year-old foudre and the other half lounges in terracotta. Whole bunches add electricity, and the entire experience is spectacular.
Matthew Jukes Directory - Restaurants
Frui Momento at Cherubino, Wilyabrup won the New Restaurant of the Year 2023 in the WA Good Food Guide, and it was easy to see why. While I was hosting an event during this lunch, and so was up and down throughout, the service, food, setting and wine list here are all exquisite. The attention to detail is sublime, partly due to its owner, winemaker Larry Cherubino, whose gastronomic experience is tip-top. This is a must-visit restaurant when you are next in Margaret River.
Vineyard of The Year awards finalist
March 2024
We’re thrilled to share that our Riversdale Vineyard has been chosen as a finalist for the 2024 Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of The Year awards.
Established in 2020, the Vineyard of The Year awards spotlight the pioneers of innovative, leading-edge practices and sustainable business in the wine industry.
After months of evaluation, the judging panel has narrowed the field to 41 vineyards nationwide that embody sustainability, innovation, provenance and exceptional wine production.
It’s an honour to be included in the selection of finalists and shine a light on Frankland River and the Great Southern Wine region.
A big shout-out to our vineyard managers Dwayne Lottering and Jono Reeve for this recognition.
We look forward to the winner announcement in June 2024!
The Real Review 'Top 100 Wineries of Australia' for 2024
April 2024
We are thrilled to share that Cherubino made it into The Real Review 'Top 100 Wineries of Australia' for 2024!
The Real Review team tasted over 10,000 wines, awarding the Top Wineries Certificate to a select group of wineries that consistently produce excellent wine. We are honoured to be included alongside such a remarkable lineup of wineries.
This accolade is a testament to the passion, hard work, and dedication of our entire team.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate - by Erin Larkin
2023
The following reviews by Erin Larkin for the Robert Parker Wine advocate website were recently released:
2022 Uovo Riesling
The 2022 Uovo Riesling is from Frankland River was made in a clay cement tank—an egg, hence, "uovo" in the name. The aromas utter whispers of cheesecloth, beeswax, Geraldton Wax flower, crushed pistachio, cold buttered toast, leafy herbs and green caper brine. It's softer (not hard) than the Cherubino Rieslings. The texture here is most attractive, alluring even. I love the way it plays out in the mouth through the finish. It is chalky and briney and super pretty. Excellent.
96 points
2022 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
The 2022 Great Southern Riesling is from the Cherubino range, and therefore top of the wozza. It's a routinely excellent wine. So, the wine leads with cold buttered toast, beeswax, green apple skins, river stones, cheesecloth, lime pickle and even saffron on the nose. It's rich, no wallflower here (yar yar), with a real density that sits on the back palate. 2022 was a warm vintage, and the wines have both breadth and power. It is long through the finish, a monumental wine. It is framed by scintillating acid—a classic hallmark of Great Southern Riesling. (You "might" need a little warm up before diving into that pool of acid—fair warning, it's robust!).
95 points
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Riesling
The 2022 Frankland River Riesling is from the estate-owned Riversdale Vineyard, which is responsible for some sensational wines—both red and white. Here, the nose leads with ocean spray (laughable—the nearest ocean is the Southern Ocean around 85-90 kilometres away, yet, the character persists...), lime rind/lime oil, hints of thyme, sage, preserved citrus and white tea. There are inflections of tobacco and bay in there also. The palate is punctuated and defined by mouth-puckering acidity (welcome to the Great Southern)—although the acid is actually not as high as it feels, with a pH of 2.87 and total acidity of 7.65 grams per litre—making for an austere, coiled, energized experience. The wine will undoubtedly be long lived, and the shape of it will live comfortably through the next decade and likely beyond.
94 points
2022 Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc
The fruit for this 2022 Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc is from the Channybearup Vineyard, which was planted in 1996. Pemberton, for the uninitiated, is an incredibly beautiful place in Western Australia's southwest, known in early colonial times for its timber milling. The towering Karri trees that have made this place so well known must be seen to be believed, and it is with this feeling of awe that I approach wines from this evocative place. So, to the wine. Classic Cherubino styling here: there is a lot of expensive French oak, high-quality fruit, seamless structuring and long flavour draw through the finish. This wine is exceptional again. It has juicy/mouthwatering Pemby acidity. So good. But it will be even better in a couple of years.
94 points
2022 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
The 2022 Pemberton Chardonnay is made in the Cherubino signature style: streamlined, glossy, opulent and encased in expensive oak. This is all good. The fruit from Pemberton has a concentrated focus on acid (juicy, mouthwatering) and fleshy stone fruits. This is like raw unbound power, and the flavour seems to stray to every available part of the palate. There are notes of smoked almonds, fresh ground nutmeg, tatami mat, lemongrass, yellow peach, red apple skins (Pink Lady, sweet, crisp) and bread crust. It is obvious and powerful.
94 points
2021 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
The Porongurup range is a really pretty place. The rocks thrust out of the ground and create a ridge of mini valleys and slopes, upon the northern face (mostly) of which is planted to grape vines. This 2021 Porongurup Riesling leads with white flowers and Parmesan, hints of juniper and green apple skins, white pepper, yuzu and saffron. This has an altogether exotic nose, with a laser-precise palate. It is expansive, in its way I suppose, but tethered to the tracks of acidity. It is juicy, fine, saline and taut. It is tight, like a guitar string.
94 points
2020 Uovo Chardonnay
The 2020 Uovo Chardonnay is from Porongurup, one of the prettiest subregions in the Great Southern, and east off the Albany highway as you're headed south. This little rocky outcrop, in what feels like essentially the middle of nowhere, is hauntingly beautiful and responsible for some very smart wines as well. This was made in a concrete egg-shaped fermenter (hence, "Uovo"), and this format tends to do interesting things to Chardonnay fruit and phenolics. As drinkers, we are so used to seeing this variety through the lens of oak that I find it incredibly important to look at it sans oak in order to remind myself of its versatility and capability. There are notes of dried lavender, green apple skins, crushed chalk, sweet pea, cut fennel (lots of this), white pepper, seashells and brine. This is a lovely wine. It is quiet, in its way, and punctuated by piercing acidity. It is not showing any age yet and seems to be in such a wonderful, restrained place. It was a pleasure. It won't be for everyone, but it certainly pleases me.
94 points
2022 Laissez Faire Riesling
The 2022 Laissez Faire Riesling is lovely! Tongue-tingling acidity and cold buttered toast team up to support the profusion of lime/brinjal pickle notes, lime blossom, green apples and rose petals. This acidity is not for the fainthearted. It is floral and austere at once. Great Southern is so good at encouraging this quality in the Riesling grown here. This is a superstar at the price: $34AUD.
93 points
2022 On the fringe Chardonnay
The 2022 On the Fringe Chardonnay hails from Pemberton, and this is a lovely place for Chardonnay in Western Australia, in my opinion. It's cool down there and quite wet, relatively (incredibly picturesque as well, might I add), and the Chardonnays are so often defined by concentrated fruit and intense acidity. So here, this wine leads with crushed nuts and orchard fruits, pecorino, lashings of salted stone fruits and even cut fennel. Star anise and white chocolate feather the edges of the fruit. It is very smart, svelte and composed, restrained.
92 points
2022 Laissez Faire Fiano
Spicy, feisty and with energy that is sorely lacking from many Fianos, the 2022 Laissez Faire Fiano is all about spiced green apple, white pepper, rice crackers, coiled acidity and firm phenolic tension. There is a lot going on! It fermented and matured in French oak.
91 points
2022 Laissez Faire Mencia
I'm undecided about Mencia (mostly in general, except for a stunning Spanish example proudly introduced to me by Luis Gutierrez), but if there was ever a region in Western Australia that could do it with aplomb, it would be Frankland River. Fortunately (or not, you decide), there are a number of quality producers in the area trying their hand at the variety, and Cherubino is one of them. The fruit for this 2022 Laissez Faire Mencia is from the Riversdale vineyard and was matured in French oak for 10 months. It has peppercorns, apple skin, blackberry, clove, star anise and spice aplenty, with no shortage of sweet roast meat and black pudding. There is plenty going on. Great crack in a brilliant season.
92 points
2021 Uovo Grenache
The Uovo Grenache is fermented in a clay cement ovoid tank (an egg), with zero additions during winemaking, zero sulphur during fermentation and maturation and only minimal amounts at bottling. It means the fruit has to make its own way with the tannins—the structure is derived solely from the skins and seeds, and this is an exciting thing in the context of Grenache. So, the 2021 Uovo Grenache leads with creamy raspberry, rhubarb and custard humbugs (the ones that come lightly dusted with sugar are the very best), petrichor, brine, strawberry fields and lashings of fine white spice. In the mouth, all of this bears true. What a gorgeous wine, a superstar. Exciting! Wow. Big yum. The tannins course and slide across the palate—start, stop, fast, slow, persistent and long. This is a gorgeous wine. Interestingly, I tasted/reviewed this wine over 18 months ago, and the wine, if anything, has only gotten better in that time. Good to know.
92 points
2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend
The 2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend comprises 44% Counoise, 33% Mataro, 15% Shiraz and 8% Grenache from the estate vineyards across the Great Southern. The wine was matured for 10 months in French oak. Aromatically, the wine leads with fresh tobacco, pomegranate, cedar, autumnal undergrowth, cilantro, bay, pink peppercorns and caper brine. In the mouth, the flavours follow suit in a perfectly mid-weight, supple kind of way. This is very good! Red apple acidity shapes the finish. Elegant.
92 points
2022 Laissez Faire Grenache
The 2022 Laissez Faire Grenache is saturated and ripe, intense and mouthfilling. The fruit is obvious and speaks of raspberries, red and black cherries, mulberry and even blackberry, while the tannins in the mouth are gritty and earthy. This is a powerful wine from an excellent season. Tasted alongside the 2021 Uovo Grenache, it looks a little chunky and muscular, but what it lacks in precision, it more than makes up for in exuberant fruit presence and balancing tannins. This has equal impact of sweet fruit and savoury tannins, making for a balanced and exciting drinking experience. I bet it will be better in a year. This is another important example of excellent Grenache in Frankland River.
95 points
2022 The Yard Acacia Shiraz
The 2022 The Yard Acacia Vineyard Shiraz leads with grape skin, fresh blood, red dirt and summer mulberries. In the mouth, the wine is concentrated and firm, texturally grainy and glossy at once. I really like the purpose and clarity with which the fruit oozes flavour. From the brilliant 2022 vintage, this will only gain in momentum and density as it ages.
93 points
2021 Cherubino FRANKLAND RIVER Shiraz
Oof. Good. The 2021 Shiraz hails from Frankland River, and it achieves a balance between floral, sapid, rocky, shelly, purple characters, and dense, muscular, pliable, ductile tannins. It's an elegant, powerful wine that has levity and density in a single hit. Super good.
95 points
2021 Laissez Faire Syrah
The 2021 Laissez Faire Syrah features a melange of clones (470, 174, 877 and Waldron) from the Riversdale vineyard in Frankland River. It was handpicked, sorted and matured in French oak barrels for 10 months. Each of the clones contributes something positive to this wine: density of tannin, darkness of fruit, lithe expression of vineyard dirt and a minty/crème de cassis quality through the finish. It is fresh and herbal, in a ferrous, bloody, purple kind of way. This is very good, and floral with notes of purple flowers—lavender, violet.
94 points
2021 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
The 2021 The Yard Riversdale Vineyard Shiraz is composed of a mix of Waldron, 470 and 174 clones, and the wine is distinctly black at heart. Summer mulberry, dried lavender, bergamot, raspberry leaf tea, ferrous and a hint of iodine coalesce in the mouth, forming a black liquorice/arnica/anise/Alizé character. It is engaging and pretty, detailed and brooding this year.
92 points
2020 The Yard Justin Shiraz
The three Yard wines on the bench today are from 2022, 2021 and 2020—perhaps a clerical error? This 2020 The Yard Justin Shiraz today marks the second time I have reviewed this wine for this publication, and the benefit of a year in glass is evident. It has softer tannins and a plumper disposition than when I last saw it. The tannins have risen to the fore, in front of the fruit, which, as I recall, was abundant the last time—now the ferrous and iodine have risen through the ranks. Hold a while longer; it has moved into that quiet/dumb phase that red wines can move into a couple of years post harvest.
92 points
Larry Cherubino is relatively famous in the Australian wine industry—he’s had a long career spanning Hardys, Houghton and now the Cherubino wine brands and continues work as a contract winemaker for other producers in the state. The Cherubino brand makes wine under a number of different labels and sources fruit from right across Western Australia. While the range of varieties that Larry and his team focus on (including relatively uncommon white and red varieties planted in Frankland River and Pemberton), his strengths lie in Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Riesling.
The Chardonnays are rich, textural, abundant wines that speak of their clones and regions with precision, but always a unifying winemaking style and oak regimen. The Rieslings range from taut, tense, tank-fermented pure wine, through to complex, oak-matured styles—he has an excellent handle on picking windows and fruit expression, meaning the winemaking decisions merely amplify the grapes. Pretty cool. The Shiraz that Larry and his team made in 2020 are nothing short of striking. They are inchoate at this stage and will be far superior in even a few years from now, but they speak loudly and clearly of the pedigree dirt down in Frankland River. They show superior structure, purity and shape (tannins being central to this).
A Toast to an Australian Triumph
October 2023
The Australian wine industry likes to send their wines to overseas competitions as international wins confirm their wine style meets local expectations. London has long been most important as they, along with the continent, have the best judges. The international discernment of the English wine establishment makes events like the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and Decanter the gold standard.
At the 2023 International Wine and Spirits Competition held in London, Cherubino received two important trophies:
White Wine Producer
with 4 wines achieving Gold Medal status.
These include: 2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay, 2022 Cherubino Gin-Gin Clonal Chardonnay, 2022 Cherubino Dijon Clonal Chardonnay, 2022 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay.
Cherubino received a total of four gold medals for their Chardonnay wines: Chardonnay 2022, Dijon Chardonnay 2022 and Gingin Chardonnay from Margaret River, as well as Pemberton Chardonnay 2022.
The second win is the most important win, with Cherubino being awarded Outstanding Wine Producer for the quality throughout his impressive array of wines.
This is awarded to the winery with the best overall performance based on all their entries.
Being the winner of this has a significance that can't be overstated as this is a global competition with an impressive cache of competitor wines from around the globe!
The reality of the wins is evidence of sophisticated thinking behind the wine styles of Cherubino. When a wine is currently successful, it is a demonstration of forward thinking where the winemaker is ahead of the market's desires for various varieties.
It's pretty cool to consider this in the context of Larry Cherubino making harvest decisions during his daily 400km drive to create his harvest plan. Decisions that later impress judges a hemisphere away.
Awards like these are interesting as within Australia buyers, those on the East Coast don't seem to appreciate Cherubino wine styles as convincingly as the UK, Germany and Hong Kong where their wines are sold.
The type of wines that win, has changed from powerful oaky wines to more textural ones with a medium body. Australia currently has quite an edge over many other nations thanks to the focus on controlling ripeness, crafting our soft tannins in reds, and getting the acidity to sit harmoniously within our whites, which in part, marks the modern Australian style.
These are the sort of wines served in overseas restaurants to represent Australia and be served with food, so they are at the forefront of our engaging with Europe's most sophisticated consumers. Cherubino slots right in for restaurants seeking small volume high quality wine with an interesting story from a quality producer.
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
RRP $75 - Rating 96
Drink by 2030
Australian chardonnay swung from pineapple flavoured muffin top to modern anorexia and acid. It's heartening to find someone finding the right line. Finer, tighter, leaner as they get more expensive, without more oak.
This is a rich wine with generous fruit length and evenness with excellent flow and texture. All the good things of Margaret River and chardonnay in a wine that offers delight, full bodied with excellent line and length of flavour. Smokey, cashew savoury wild ferment with a lot of complexity wrapped into evenness and length.
2023 Canberra International Riesling Challenge
October 2023
The Canberra International Riesling Challenge results have been announced and we had 5 x wines rated. Full listing is as follows:
2023 Cherubino Frankland River Riesling - Elite (95 points)
2023 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling - Elite (95 points)
2023 Laissez Faire Riesling- Elite (95 points)
2023 The Yard Riversdale Riesling- Excellent (93 points)
2023 Uovo Riesling- Commended
Matthew Jukes 100 Best Australian Wines 2023/24 - Winery of the Year!
September 2023
We are absolutely thrilled that Cherubino has been selected as Best Winery of the Year in the Matthew Jukes 100 Best Australian Wines!
‘I am honoured and privileged to announce that Cherubino is the 100 Best Australian Wines Winery of the Year 2023/24. With eleven Larry Cherubino wines featured in this Report, as well as three more under the Robert Oatley label for whom Larry consults, it is no surprise that Larry and his teams of winemakers and viticulturalists have picked up this gong. I have known Larry for a quarter of a century, and very few people in our industry have a work ethic like his. His hunger for knowledge and understanding of the world’s great wines fires his imagination and palate to reach new heights with his own wines every year. This year, he has organized distribution in the UK for more of his wines than ever before, so it is perfect timing for me to talk about the man himself and sing about these wines because more people than ever have the chance to taste them.’
2022 LAISSEZ FAIRE FIELD BLEND. This year, I have not enjoyed any complex white blend more than this wine. I chase this style because I love it, with Northern Eastern Italy being a hotspot (or should that be a coolspot for me). That is not to say that everyone likes this style of wine - they are demanding, often confusing, and require commitment). I awarded the 2022 Field Blend a massive 19/20 score in my notes, and this wine, along with the immense roll-call of others, was responsible for bringing the Winery of the Year award to Cherubino. The Laissez Faire wine label is a hands-off, ‘let it be’ collection, and these wines are among the most intellectually pleasing and deeply rewarding in the country. Made from Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Gris and seeing some skin contact and six months in French oak, this wine is total class. It reminds me of the great wines from Cantina Terlano, but just a bit more complex! This is a composed wine, with each variety giving its anti-fruit and fruit notes, and the combination of all of these elements is incredible. 2022 LAISSEZ FAIRE FOUDRE PEMBERTON PINOT NOIR shows that while we all know that Larry Cherubino is a dab hand with Chardonnay and Cabernet, as well as countless other varieties, he can also work his magic with the most fickle red grape of all, Pinot Noir. 2022 Foudre is blessed with gentle rose and raspberry fruit, and this unhurried wine shows delicious balance thanks to Italianate acidity, eight months in French oak foudres and pinpoint accurate balance. This is not a rich, dark style but a light-hearted, refreshing, resonant style, and it sits shoulder to shoulder with some of the more recognised Pinots from Victoria and Tassie in this Report. The Riesling is the most decorated Laissez Faire wine in the history of 100 Best. 2022 LAISSEZ FAIRE RIESLING is a cracker, but it is a variation on a theme. Classy, demure and gentle for the first two or three seconds, and the rest of the experience is a mineral-drenched and unremittingly challenging on account of the intensity of rapier-sharp acidity. This makes 2022 Laissez Faire Riesling the vintage with the most potential I have tasted, so be sure to grab a case and settle in for a lovely long ride.
2020 CHERUBINO OVALE GINGIN CHARDONNAY With eleven Cherubino wines featured in this Report and three under the Robert Oatley label for whom Larry consults, it is absolutely no surprise that Larry and his various team of winemakers and viticulturalists have picked up the Winery of the Year Award! I felt like Paul Hardcastle when I tasted the entire range earlier this year. I usually find myself willing wines to break out of 17/20 or 18/20 ruts. With Larry’s celestial suite of wines, it was a case of trying to find one that didn't clock up a 19. I take my hat off to the dedication, perseverance, palate acumen and will to win that all combine to create the enigma that is Mr Cherubino. I suggest you grab a huge shopping trolley and load up with every one of his wines in this Report because they will tell you more about the man than a face-to-face meeting because he is a shy chap who hides behind a Hollywood grin and a ludicrous mop of jet black hair.
So here we go. Now that Larry has finally managed to bring a plentiful selection of his wines to the UK, I can let fly with my thoughts. My featured Chardonnay shines a spotlight on sub-regional excellence, and with sensitive oak and the merest hint of malolactic fermentation, it sings its origins. There is intensity here and structure too, and these imposing traits are marshalled by profound acidity and freshness. I wrote ‘Grand Cru’ in my tasting notes, and while marvelling at the scale and profondeur, I found other storylines playing out across my palate. Stony hints, discreet succulents, wilder herbs than one finds in the UK and wilder florals too - there is a large cast of players here and it makes for expansive tasting. I suggest checking into this flavour first, and when your taste buds have acclimatised, move on to 2021 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY Larry calls this the ‘best’ Chardonnay in his range, but his is not a vertical suite of wines. Each has its occasion, its audience and its backdrop. Made from parcels of Karridale and Wilyabrup fruit, this is an utterly sensational wine with fruit so clean and bright it takes your eye off the sheer depth of flavour. It is so long and focused it draws you along at its pace, and with not once glance over its shoulder, one sideways flick, one eyelid flutter, you call in and follow. You cannot be in a crowded room or a hectic space to fully appreciate the convolutions in this wine. So find a place, a time and a companion and allow yourself some moments of anticipation - it will rise to any occasion and reward all who participate in its performance.
2022 CHERUBINO PEMBERTON SAUVIGNON BLANC slides southeast from Margaret River to a jewel in the Cherubino crown, Pemberton. Here we find one of only a handful of white wines employing the Sauvignon Blanc variety in this Report. Green and silky, like a slippery vinous tree snake, it curls around your taste buds and then bites down with acid fangs. Coming from a block in the Channybearup Vineyard, which was planted in 1996, it sees nothing more than four months in French oak in the winery before it slithers off into a bottle. While it needs age and certainly reflects many of the traits of top white Graves, it doesn't feel weighty or oily on the palate. In this regard, it sits atop the oak-augmented Sauvignon tree, tense, poised and ready to strike; a little like La Mission on a mission.
The following three wines are all Cabernets from Larry’s beloved Frankland River region, and I have listed them in ascending order of price, intensity and age-worthiness. 2018 CHERUBINO OVALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON CLONAL SELECTION seems to me to exhibit far more style and grace than it ought to at this price. There is a beautiful volume of cassis fruit here, and skin tannins rake the palate rhythmically as the fruit glides past. Fleshy blue and black fruit notes bring a level of exoticism, which is countered by cooling herbal and mint leaf hints. This is a phenomenal introduction to elite Frankland Cabernet, and it has started to drink well. If you love Napa or Bolgheri Cabs, this will seem like an elegant fruit-forward wine, given It is not too oak-imprinted, and in terms of value, it soars above any examples I can think of from both regions. 2019 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON pushes Larry’s Frankland River Cabernet template into a wholly different level of excellence. The fruit is so resonant and bright it is shocking, and this gloriously luxurious flavour attack is underpinned by brutal, singular minerality that is at once awe-inspiring and not a little malevolent. The back end is sour, dense, structured, ripe, cool, powerful, muscular and brittle, arming this wine for a the long run. It is like an intergalactic excavator has scooped up a large tract of Saint-Estephe and deposited it among the karri trees in the southwest corner of Western Australia. Finally, at least for this entry (read on for more Larry wines) 2019 CHERUBINO BUDWORTH CABERNET SAUVIGNON This was the wine that damn near spoilt the Nineteen track playing in my head. Sappy, more tannin and more blunt than the other two Cabs, this is a muscular wine that craves cellar time, but it is already clear that it is prodigious with dreams of greatness. Whether this beautifully complex flavour will add the half point needed to reach a perfect score in years to come is irrelevant because Riversdale Vineyard clearly has a stash of twenties buried in its soil, and they will blossom when they are good and ready.
2020 APOSTROPHE POSSESSIVE REDS’ Two remaining wines in the Cherubino portfolio sit outside of the other entries in this Report, and they welcome us to the Grenache & Friends chapter of the 100 Best. These are both lovely, gentle, easy-drinking wines that are centred on Southern French red varieties, and while they are not serious, long-loved or contemplative wines, they perform a vital function, and that is to spread vinous joy at all times and in all places 365 days a year. Apostrophe is a 42% Counoise, 32% Grenache and 26% Shiraz that see s a short spell in a new and used oak barrels. For a diminutive fellow, it packs a spicy punch with cracked pepper, cinnamon, liquorice root, and fertile earth notes underpinning a gossamer-smooth plum and cherry chassis. Clean, bright, easy and refreshing, this futuristic red works as well chilled with spicy food as it does at normal temperature with wintry fare. The skill, as is always the case, is in the blend. I cannot see any welds holding this wine together, and that is because there are none. The three grapes enjoy each other’s company and harmonise as if it were second nature. This is the sort of red wine that should be featured in every gastro-pub in the land, while 2021 AD HOC MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE SHIRAZ ramps up the drama but still to confirm to type. Middle of Everywhere Shiraz has more in common with a fun-loving Pinot or free-rolling Gamay than with an everyday Shiraz. If I were to taste this wine blind, I would find it hard to place it in a Shiraz box despite the telltale perfume because it is so lithe, nubile and tactile. In place of tannin, raspy mineral tones refresh the palate and make the mouth water. This is another wine with one foot in the future. It appears to welcome a younger crowd and one who might not have a lexicon of grape varieties hanging around in the back of their brain. This tribe is after stylish labels, dynamic flavours and wines that are multi-skilled when it comes to food pairing. The Ad Hoc brand is well placed to capitalise on this movement because, behind the eye-catching artwork, the flavours of this wine are already 100% accurate.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matthew Jukes for always championing Australian wines, we are truly honoured to have received this recognition. A special thanks goes to our amazing viticultural and winemaking teams for their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Australian Wine List of the Year Awards
September 2023
We have some exciting news to share!
The
City Cellar has achieved three glasses in the 2023 Australian Wine List Awards 🍷🍷🍷
The Three Glass rating is the highest recognition to outstanding wine lists that excel in criteria such as content, balance, suitability, presentation, and pricing, as set by Australian Wine List of the Year Awards.
A panel of over 30 extraordinary wine connoisseurs from Australia and around the world judged these awards.
Huge congratulations to our amazing sommeliers who are always looking for the finest selections for our customers.
2023 Wine Show of Western Australia - Most Successful Exhibitor!
13th October 2023
On Friday 13th October the 2023 Wine Show of WA results were announced & Cherubino picked up the trophy for the most successful exhibitor for the third year in a row!!
This is a trophy we have won 5 times over the last six years (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)!!
Across the show we received 8 x Gold Medals, 20 x Silver Medals and 23 x Bronze Medals.
The full medal listing is as follows:
GOLD MEDAL
2021 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2023 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2015 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2020 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz Block 7
2023 Laissez Faire Riesling
2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
2022 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
SILVER MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Gingin Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Caves Road Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Riesling
2015 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Wine
2022 Uovo Cabernet Touriga
2021 Uovo Cabernet Touriga
2022 Laissez Faire Fiano
2014 Laissez Faire Riesling
2022 Laissez Faire Grenache
2022 On the fringe Chardonnay
2022 On the fringe Pinot Noir
2023 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2009 The Yard Whispering Hill Riesling
BRONZE MEDAL
2023 Cherubino Frankland River Riesling
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2021 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2021 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Cherubino Frankland River Nebbiolo
2022 Uovo Riesling
2021 Uovo Nebbiolo Cabernet
2022 Laissez Faire Mencia
2021 Laissez Faire Mencia
2021 Riversdale Merlot Cabernet Franc
2007 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2009 The Yard Pannoo Riesling
2008 The Yard Whispering Hill Riesling
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Gewurztraminer
2022 The Yard Acacia Shiraz
2022 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2021 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 The Yard Vintage Fortified Shiraz
2022 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2023 Ad Hoc PIP Rose
2021 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2022 Folklore Chardonnay
2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards
November 2023
Here is a list of our results from the 2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards:
GOLD MEDAL
2023 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
SILVER MEDAL
2022 Laissez Faire Fiano
2023 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2022 Pedestal Chardonnay
BRONZE MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet
2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Margaret River Rose
2021 Cherubino Ovale Beautiful South Red Wine
2023 Laissez Faire Riesling
2022 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir
2022 Laissez Faire Mencia
2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend
2022 On the fringe Chardonnay
2022 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2023 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
2022 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
2023 WA Good Food Guide Wine Awards
Monday 9th October 2023
On Monday night, 9th October, the WA Good Food Guide Wine Awards for 2023 announced their Top 25 wines for the year. Our 2021 Cherubino Frankland River Nebbiolo was named Number 6 on this list.
2021 CHERUBINO NEBBIOLO
A wow moment. Such a distinct and distinguished wine delivering strong DNA of the variety with drinkability in tow. It’s bright and fresh, but with mettle from good tannin, succulent texture and vibrant fruit. Savoury in style, with brightness shining through, there’s an appealing dusty, Italianate feel to it all. Good stuff here, and very well done.
The Singapour – November 2023 - jancisrobinson.com
30th November 2023
By Richard Hemming MW
A bumper edition of Richard's monthly tasting compilation.
Much of this collection was tasted on my recent visit to Margaret River, and it represents a grab-bag of both famous names and newcomers, who between them make a selection of classic varieties and alternatives.
2022 On the fringe Chardonnay
First vintage. No new oak. Dijon clones 95, 96, 76. There's so much minerality here! Entirely francophone in style, albeit with the fruit that suggests Australia. (RH) Drink 2024 – 2030
17.5/20
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
Gingin clone. Fleshy, generous and sophisticated in style – gorgeously layered fruit and a static shock of acid on the finish. Leesy, textural. (RH) Drink 2024 – 2034
18/20
2022 Laissez Faire Fiano
Substantial and rich with apricot and peach and a touch of syrupy style but without losing a single drop of freshness. Are there any Fianos better than this? Not many, for sure. (RH) Drink 2023 – 2028
17.5/20
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Riesling
Lime juice, honey, plenty of phenolic grip. Bone dry, high acid, lengthy and classic but with rounded-edge acidity that feels like the vignette in a photo. Substantial and gastronomic (RH)
Drink 2023 - 2030
16.5/20
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Beetroot, black cherry, eucalyptus – the epitome of Aussie Cabernet. There's a candied edge to the fruit, but a super-savoury finish. Cherry, dark chocolate length. Smoky finish with tannins that give grip without aggression. (RH) Drink 2022 – 2030
17.5+/20
2019 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark cherry, riper and fleshier than their Margaret River Cabernet. More dense and structured, and perhaps more reticent in style. (RH) Drink 2024 – 2029
17+/20
2021 Laissez Faire IV Red Blend
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise. Bramble, jammy, cocoa, excellent clarity and smokiness. Substantial and grainy, but absolutely balanced and drinkable. Very Rhôney, more South Australian than Western Australian, at least according to the theory books! (RH) Drink 2023 – 2028
17/20
2022 Laissez Faire Mencía
Gorgeous fruit purity, chilli jam, redcurrants. A light oak-spiciness character on the finish. Juicy and fibrous with such charming fruit clarity. Such a good example of how well this variety can travel. (RH) Drink 2023 – 2028
17+/20
IWSC On The Road: Medals galore for Margaret River producers
24th November 2023
We continue our journey around the world with the IWSC’s panel of judges who have been visiting, tasting and assessing wines in their countries and regions where they come from by travelling to Margaret River, in the capable hands of Libby Brodie, who was part of the team of wine buyers, importers, merchants and consultants who were able to see for themselves just how far one of Australia’s increasingly premium wine regions has come in recent years.
By Libby Brodie
Margaret River represents just 2% of Australia’s wines and is recognised for its refined, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and pure, layered and expressive Chardonnays and punches well above its size in quality and accolades. We tend to think of this winemaking region as new, having only really blossomed in the last 50 years, but many of the vines are over 40 years old making it rich old-vine territory. Its wines are refined, expertly crafted, people-pleasers, something highlighted by the fact that 24 wines were awarded gold and almost every flight included medal winners.
“I have personally never given so many silvers and golds over three days of judging,” said The Wine Society buyer and seasoned judge Freddy Bulmer.
The IWSC’s judging panel in Australia’s Margaret River. Photo Ovis Creative
Given the calibre of the wines it was no surprise we judges were delighted to be heading across the globe to Australia. Freddy Bulmer and I were joined by Melania Battiston, Beth Pearce MW, buying director at Lay & Wheeler and judging committee member and Master of Wine, Alistair Cooper, who oversaw the judging panels. Our Australian counterparts were Randall Pollard, Erin Larkin, Chris Crawford and Emma Farrelly and it was this combination of international wine professionals and communicators that led to so much interesting debate and discovery.
Judging in situ
Judging in situ is a rare and beautiful experience – even rarer when the “situ” is over 20 hours travel away. The initiative of Christelle Guibert, chief executive of IWSC, it allows a real glimpse into the world and winemaking of a particular place as well as fostering connections and networks across the globe. I had no idea that Margaret River was a one of the world’s 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots and was struck by its beauty and distinctive local aromas, like salt-bush that were suddenly so discernible in some of the wines.
The IWSC judging team getting down to business. Photo Ovis Creative
It is a useful thing for any journalist, communicator, or salesperson to be able to tell the story of a wine from first-hand experience. It also benefits local producers, who can submit their wines easily, without international travel and potential Brexit border issues.
Though we were there for only four full days, the three days of judging were interspersed with meeting producers, visiting vineyards and wineries and getting to know the winemakers over lunches, dinners and masterclass tastings. Not that any of this conviviality would influence who won what, the wines are all tasted entirely blind.
We managed to learn more about Margaret River itself too. On the first night we walked part of the Cape To Cape Trail learning about donkey orchids and salt bush as we ate oysters and drank local sparkling wines. Another evening we listened to a didgeridoo play in the underground caves said to house the good sea spirit of Ngilgi and learned about the six seasons of the Aboriginal culture, seasons that the winemakers of the area adhere to today. I cannot stress how important and valuable it felt to be present where wine was made, to be able to weave in the strands of culture and climate first hand.
We visited the original greats, Vasse Felix, the first to be planted in 1967, as well as Cullen and Leeuwin Estate who had swiftly followed by 1972, and we also met with younger, up-and-coming winemakers who were experimenting with Italian varietals, Chenin Blanc, Grenache and Shiraz.
What stood out
Of the lesser planted grapes Shiraz stood out to the judges, showing enormous potential, with the Passel Estate Lot 71 Reserve Syrah 2018 winning a gold medal. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends seem to be taking more of a backseat despite the quality of the grapes, which the Australian judges put down to the changing fashion of people’s palates, though there was another gold medal here for the Voyager Estate Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2023 with its green pineapple and citrus zest.
However, it was the two classics that really shone. “With Chardonnay they always strike this perfect balance between the reductive touch and the really skilful use of the oak,” said sommelier Melania Battiston. The 2022 vintage was a particular favourite showing incredibly harmony of flint and fruit purity.
Chardonnay took 11 gold medals: four of these, all 2022, went to Cherubino in what can only be described as an embarrassment of riches as it won a total of 16 medals over the awards. The highest scoring Chardonnay, however, at 97 points, went to Stella Bella Wines for its Luminosa Chardonnay 2022. I dislike using Burgundy as a reference point as these wines stand for themselves in quality and complexity – that said, there is no denying that on a global stage these wines can hold their own in “Burgundian” territory.
Likewise, Alistair Cooper favourably compared the Cabernet Sauvignon to Bordeaux saying, “if you’re buying a young vintage Bordeaux it ain’t much fun to drink, it’s tough but the wines you find here, they’re wines that can age but they also drink very well when they’re young”.
What stands out about these reds is their plush, focus-driven fruit and this incredible succulent acidity across the board. They brought home 10 gold medals with the top gold, Cape Naturaliste Vineyard Torpedo Rocks Reserve 2018, earning 97 points for its supple, polished poise and aromatic complexity.
There was some debate on the “best” vintage with 2018 being a gift of a year according to the winemakers and producing richly rounded, perfectly balanced wines. The cooler 2019 was celebrated for its precision and focused elegance, 2020 and 2021 both took home gold medals and the 2022 were felt to promise exceptional development over years to come.
Margaret River delivers incredible wines that can be enjoyed right now but with a skilful ability to age. Beth Pearce called it “an insider secret in the fine wine world.”
But perhaps, after these incredible scores by the IWSC, the cat may be out of the bag.
Cherubino Shortlisted by IWSC for International White Wine Producer of the Year 2023
Monday 18th September
We are beyond thrilled to share that Cherubino has been shortlisted as finalist for the prestigious International White Wine Producer of the Year award by the IWSC!
This incredible achievement comes on the heels of our outstanding success in the 2023 IWSC competition, where we were awarded 4 Gold medals for our renowned Chardonnays.
In the words of Larry and Edwina:
“We are truly honoured and humbled to be shortlisted for this award in what is a highly competitive field among the world’s finest wineries.”
Once again, we want to extend a huge thanks to our wonderful team! Your dedication and unwavering commitment have made all this possible
The winners of the IWSC awards will be officially announced during the ceremony scheduled for October 19th in London. Stay tuned!!
2023 Royal Adelaide Wine Show
6th October 2023
The results for the 2023 Royal Adelaide Wine Show have been announced. Our 2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay has just won its FIFTH GOLD MEDAL for the year!!
gold medal
2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay
silver medal
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
Bronze medal
2022 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Gingin Chardonnay
2022 Uovo Cabernet Touriga
2022 On the fringe Chardonnay
2022 Laissez Faire Field Blend
2022 Laissez Faire Mencia
2020 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2020 The Yard Justin Shiraz
2022 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2023 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
2023 Royal Hobart Wine Show
21st September 2023
Last week the results for the 2023 Royal Hobart Wine Show were announced. All wines Cherubino entered received a medal.
This result is also the 4th Gold Medal for the 2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay this year after the Sydney, Perth & IWSC shows.
Full list of results are as follows:
GOLD MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay
SILVER MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 On the fringe Chardonnay
BRONZE MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Ovale Gingin Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Caves Road Chardonnay
2022 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2022 Pedestal Chardonnay
IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition
1st September 2023
Last week, judges from the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) visited Australia for the first time to assess the finest wines and spirits from WA. The highly anticipated results were unveiled this past Friday, and we couldn't be more thrilled to announce that 16 of our entries have been honoured with medals - another remarkable achievement for our team!
Our full list of results are as follows:
GOLD MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Gingin Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
SILVER MEDAL
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2022 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Caves Road Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2019 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
BRONZE MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Ovale Frankland River Shiraz Block 7
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
2021 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2022 Cherubino Ovale Margaret River Rose
2023 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
2023 Perth Royal Wine Awards
Friday 1st September
The winners have been announced for the 2023 Perth Royal Wine Awards.
We were awarded the Trophy for Most Successful WA Exhibitor along with our 3 x Gold Medals, 8 x Silver Medals and 14 x Bronze Medals.
The wines awarded medals are as follows:
Gold Medal
2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay
2022 Laissez Faire Grenache
2022 Laissez Faire Mencia
Silver Medal
2021 Cherubino Ovale Mount Barker Riesling
2021 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2021 Uovo Cabernet Touriga
2020 Laissez Faire Syrah
2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend
2022 On the fringe Chardonnay
2022 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Gewurztraminer
Bronze Medal
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Gingin Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Ovale Caves Road Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Nebbiolo
2021 Cherubino Ovale Beautiful South Red Wine
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2022 Laissez Faire Field Blend
2021 Laissez Faire Mencia
2022 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2021 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
2021 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2022 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
Cherubino acquires Margaret River Winemakers
28th August 2023
Cherubino is delighted to announce the acquisition of Margaret River Winemakers, a winery and spirits brand located on Bussell Highway, 14 kilometres north of Margaret River township.
The acquisition includes a 2000-tonne facility with warehousing, distillation capacity, and cellar door. As part of the acquisition, the spirits brand will be rebranded with a focus on utilising Cherubino’s vineyards and fruit resources to create regional and beginning-to-end estate spirits and a produce farm shop, which will complement the existing Cherubino cellar door and Frui Momento restaurant and Enoteca located on Caves Road, Wilyabrup.
Larry Cherubino and his wife Edwina, the founders of Cherubino, have been planning an acquisition for over 20 years and are excited to integrate the Margaret River Winemakers’ assets into their business. The current wine facility and equipment will be moved to the new facility over the next 12 months, enabling Cherubino to develop their unique approach to farming, making and marketing their portfolio of wines.
“We are committed to a long-term approach to winemaking, and this acquisition represents an incredible opportunity for us to establish the brand not only in terms of supply but will greatly support our production and marketing capabilities” Larry said.
“Cherubino’s newly appointed distribution partner in the UK, Hatch Mansfield, Oatley Fine Wine Merchants in Australia, and our many partners and customers around the world have allowed us to make this important step with confidence and we look forward to sharing more details of the project soon.”
The acquisition of Margaret River Winemakers is a significant development for Cherubino, reflecting their commitment to consolidating their business while remaining true to their long-term vision. The new cellar door will reopen in December 2023.
Top Gold & Best Shiraz Trophy - 2021 Pedestal Shiraz
17th August 2023
The Sydney Royal Wine Show, established in 1826, is one of the most prestigious wine shows in Australia, annually attracting over 2,200 entries from 350 producers across Australia.
Last night in Sydney the winners were announced for 2023. Our 2021 Pedestal Shiraz won the Best Shiraz Trophy and Top Gold for the event.
Below is a full list of our results for the show:
2021 Pedestal Shiraz - Top Gold & Best Shiraz Trophy
2022 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay - Gold Medal
2022 Cherubino Ovale Margaret River Rose - Silver Medal
2022 The Yard Acacia Shiraz - Silver Medal
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz - Silver Medal
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - Bronze Medal
2022 Laissez Faire Fiano - Bronze Medal
2021 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz - Silver Medal
2023 National Wine Show of Australia
June 2023
Results for the 2023 National Wine Show of Australia have been released. 21 of our entries received a medal with 2 x Gold Medals, 7 x Silver Medals and 12 x Bronze Medals.
The full list of results are as follows:
GOLD MEDAL
2020 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
SILVER MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Cherubino Ovale Dijon Chardonnay
2021 Laissez Faire Riesling
2022 Laissez Faire Riesling
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
BRONZE MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2018 Cherubino Ovale Frankland Cabernet Clonal Selection
2019 Cherubino Ovale Beautiful South Red Wine
2020 Cherubino Ovale Shiraz Mataro
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2020 Uovo Riesling
2022 Laissez Faire Field Blend
2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend
2020 Laissez Faire Riesling
2020 The Yard Justin Shiraz
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Gewurztraminer
2022 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2023 Ray Jordan Wine Review
17th November 2022
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Where do you start with the wines from Larry Cherubino? The quality of the extensive range of wines that are part of the Cherubino stable is quite breathtaking. He sources from his own vineyards in Frankland River and from Margaret River. The Frankland River properties are some of the most exciting in the State with the introduction of new varieties and clones that are providing him and other winemakers with so many options. It is an extraordinary suite of wines both in depth and breadth that highlight vineyard and regional differences and styles. His winemaking is designed to gently coax the fruit from those exceptional vineyards into wines that are expressive and always supremely balanced.
AWARD WINNING RED - BEST SHIRAZ
2020 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
If you ever need evidence of the extraordinary winemaking abilities of Larry Cherubino, this should do the trick. It comes from his Riversdale vineyard using three separate clones, 175, 472 and Waldron. It is a wonderful modern expression of WA shiraz.
2020 CHERUBINO Ovale FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ BLOCK 7
An exotically captivating bouquet of cherry and violets says that something special awaits in this terrific shiraz from Cherubino’s Riversdale vineyard. There is power and there is stylishness here with the incredible fruit concentration and driving intensity a product of this excellent vineyard and vintage. Has a gravelly grainy mouth feel which is just so engaging.
97/100
2019 CHERUBINO BUDWORTH CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Silky smooth and elegant cabernet from the special Block 6 within the Riversdale vineyard. There is an ethereal aroma here of violet and red fruit with a cedary blackcurrant overlay. Once you reach the palate you are in a heady zone. Refined and graceful lines based on fine chalky tannins and a liberal well-managed use of oak carry the fruit with ease to a sustained long finish.
97/100
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUNNER UP - BEST CABERNET
Highly perfumed Margaret River cabernet that provides a point of difference to the excellent ‘19. This delivers a velvety smooth palate deep with rich and opulent fruit flavour from this highly concentrated vintage. It is quite effortless as it takes you through the mid-palate and into a stunning long finish. The tannin and oak work on the palate is superb. High class.
98/100
2021 CHERUBINO ovale CHANNYBEARUP PINOT NOIR
You’ve gotta love this baby. It’s from an established vineyard in Pemberton. Exotic aromas of violets and strawberries. The palate has tremendous depth and persistence with the use of oak and tannin management superb. The 1000-litre foudres have ensured the oak and fruit integration is harmonious and complete.
96/100
2021 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
This is a more restrained version of this wine, certainly when compared to the concentration and deep power of the ’20. But it remains an excellent wine of refinement and elegance. The fruit and oak balance is well judged, sitting harmoniously as one on a palate this both long and precise.
94/100
2018 CHERUBINO ovale FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON CLONAL SELECTION
This is made from two different clones from the Riversdale vineyard in Frankland River. Rich dark fruit on the nose showing a hint of ironstone and graphite working through the plush chocolatey blackcurrant fruit. Perfectly structured with a firm thread of chalky tannins and well-managed oak. A high class cabernet.
96/100
2020 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ
AWARD WINNING RED - BEST SHIRAZ
This wonderful shiraz with its super radiant colour comes from the Riversdale vineyard using three emerging clones 174, 470 and Waldron. It’s a wonderful illustration of how clones can make such a difference. This is an elegantly structured wine of sublime palate feel. It’s deep in colour but glows with bright energy. Grainy chalky and slightly ironstone palate contributions make for a brilliant wine.
98/100
2020 CHERUBINO ovale GINGIN CHARDONNAY
Okay, so this is made from the Gingin clone sourced from the Willows vineyard in the heart of Margaret River. Has a lift of pear and grapefruit on the nose with a subtle hint of toasty oak. It’s pristine and quite pure on the palate with a crunchy acidity. Has a nice precise shape in the mouth.
95/100
2020 LAISSEZ FAIRE PORONGURUP PINOT NOIR
There is a brightness and purity in this Porongurup pinot that is different from the more gamey model from Pemberton. It like its shape and linear structure with the fine chalky acidity and gentle foudre-induced oak sitting comfortably in the background. Energy and drive in this medium-bodied palate.
94/100
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE MENCIA
I’ve only seen a handful of examples of this Spanish and Portuguese variety in Australia but already I’m starting to like it. Rich dark fruits with lashings of plummy dark cherry and supported by supple tannins. It delivers pure drinking indulgence with its smooth plush palate. Yummo
94/100
2021 CHERUBINO PORONGURUP RIESLING
The steely tension within the tightly held palate is immediately evident. This area near Mount Barker has become a great riesling zone. The wines are delicate yet with persistence. Lime citrus and slightly saline characters emerge. The palate is light but with a crunchy intensity.
96/100
2020 THE YARD JUSTIN SHIRAZ
Shows the engaging perfumes of shiraz from the Justin vineyard. Perfumed plum and dark cherry with a subtle raspberry note. The palate is silky smooth with the fine tannins a feature. This is heady stuff. It’s pure and vibrant with great energy driving to a sustained finish. Love it.
95/100
OTHER AWARD WINNER:
2021 Uovo Frankland River Grenache - Runner up, Best Grenache
2024 Halliday Wine Companion
3rd August
2019 CHERUBINO BUDWORTH CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 98 POINTS
Hand picked, sorted and macerated on skins for two months; matured in new and one-year-old French barriques. This fragrant, medium-bodied cabernet is something quite special. I've no doubt whatsoever that Block 6 has once again provided excellent fruit that could have been left to its own devices (great wine is made in the vineyard, isn't it?) but skilled vinification, patience and attention to the smallest detail have made a glorious cabernet sauvignon, the palate akin to a string of shimmering, lustrous pearls.
2021 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY - 97 POINTS
Fruit from vineyards in the Margaret River districts of Karridale and Wilyabrup; hand picked and whole-bunch pressed, fermented and matured in new and one-year-old oak for six months. This is in a different realm to its Caves Road sibling. It is tighter, more focused and longer, grapefruit ascendant over stone fruit. It's tempting to make something of the difference in alcohol, Caves Road at 12%, this at 13%, but I think a shorter time in oak has also been at work.
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET - 97 POINTS
From the best parcels ex the estate vineyard in Wilyabrup; matured in new and one-year-old oak for 12 months. Beautiful crimson-purple colour gets the wine off to a good start. It's not common to describe a two-year-old cabernet as charming, indeed sensual, but this is what you get here. There's juicy cassis fruit, quality cedary French oak, and perfectly pitched tannins. I agree with the back label that the wine will gain in richness and complexity over the next 10-15 years, but I also argue the cause of the wine now with its elegance and balance (to which Larry Cherubino will doubtless say QED).
2021 CHERUBINO ovale CAVES ROAD CHARDONNAY - 95 POINTS
Fruit from several vineyards in the Margaret River districts of Wilyabrup, Wallcliffe and Karridale; hand picked and whole-bunch pressed, fermented and matured in new and one-year-old oak for 10 months. An altogether convincing portrait of Margaret River chardonnay. Larry Cherubino has brought a span of flavours together: white and yellow peach, creamy cashew and some expensive oak add up to a wine for whenever you screw the cap off.
2021 PEDESTAL SHIRAZ - 95 POINTS
Anyone not convinced by Margaret River shiraz, try this. It’s a beauty. Heady aromas of florals, spiced fruit, rusty iron and warm earth. Fleshy ripe plums and cherries on the fuller-bodied palate soak up the oak before the persistent finish kicks in. The silky tannins are something else. Impressive from first to last sip.
2022 PEDESTAL SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC - 95 POINTS
While the label bears an uncanny resemblance to Californian producer Ridge Vineyards, that’s where the similarity ends. Pedestal is all about Margaret River fruit, here an 80/20% semillon/sauvignon blanc split. It’s an excellent drink offering tangy flavours, an amalgam of lime and lemon with citrusy sorbet acidity and woodsy spices. Ultra-refreshing, yet talc-like texture across the palate and a certain depth add to its classiness.
2022 AD HOC WALLFLOWER RIESLING - 93 POINTS
Tightly wound and refreshing in a juicy, lime-on-green-apple kinda deal. Easy drinking, pure and fresh. So refreshing, almost tonic-like, or juice-like in a way. Nice pucker through the finish, too. Pretty, pitch-perfect summery style and oh-so-vivacious. What a delight!
Margaret River’s Rise to Greatness, by Erin Larkin
7th July 2023
Margaret River’s Rise to Greatness
by Erin Larkin
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Margaret River is the traditional land of the First Nations Wadandi people. Wadandi means “saltwater people,” and the connection to the coast and the sea is the essence of Margaret River, today.
Margaret River is a very young wine region by world standards. While white settlement occurred in the 1830s, the first vines of the modern commercial era were not planted until 1967 at Vasse Felix—although there were vineyards in the ground prior to 1967, albeit on a smaller scale. The early families at that time—the Cullitys (Vasse Felix), the Cullens (Cullen Wines, planted in 1971), the Junipers (Juniper Estate, planted in 1973), the Horgans (Leeuwin Estate, planted in 1976), the Watsons (Woodlands, planted in 1973) and the Pannells (Moss Wood, planted in 1969) were, in a wine sense, little more than educated cognoscente with opportunity and means. Their prescience, courage and diligent endeavor in that southern coastal wilderness built the foundations of one of the great wine regions of the world.
Today, Margaret River is a boutique region, producing only 2% of Australia’s total crush (at an average of 36,000 tons per annum). More than half of the producers in the region crush less than 50 tons on average per annum—for perspective, less than 1% of producers in Australia crush under 100 tons—and many of the cuvées tasted for this report were made in single- or double-barrel quantities.
Clones
Both Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon plantings are predominated by a few key clones, although there is increasing diversity in the ground in the pursuit of future surety of yields and quality.
Chardonnay
The Gingin clone is undoubtedly the hero clone of the region. The first cuttings of this clone arrived in 1957; Dr. Harold Olmo from the University of California sent 24 canes of “Pinot Chardonnay” from UC Davis to the Department of Agriculture in Western Australia two years after his first visit in 1955. The canes were planted in Gingin at the Swan Research Station, approximately 78 kilometers or 49 miles north/northeast of Perth city. The original source block, or foundation vineyard in California, was planted at UC Davis at the end of the prohibition era, circa 90 years ago.
The 1950s and 1960s mark a dynamic and pivotal time in Western Australian viticulture. Dr. Harold Olmo and respected agronomist Dr. John Gladstones met during Olmo’s residency at UWA in 1955. The knowledge, energy and exhaustive research of these two men helped to shape the beginning of the wine industry in Western Australia.
The Gingin clone (proven to be distinct from Mendoza) is endemic to Margaret River and is typified by its tiny bunches—similar to a small cob of corn or a hand grenade in size and shape. It has notoriously poor fruit set and is therefore low yielding, with bunches sometimes weighing in at as low as 65to 70 grams. The vines also “suffer” from millanderage; the berries are hen and chicken sizes and ripen at different rates. Due to the very high acidity, pronounced phenolic structure and powerful fruit characters, the resultant wines are long lived, expansive and expressive—emphasized and encouraged by shrewd viticulture and winemaking. Producers such as Cullen, Leeuwin, Vasse Felix, Pierro, Xanadu, Stella Bella, Walsh & Sons, Fraser Gallop, Domaine Naturaliste and McHenry Hohnen—to name a few—all employ the Gingin clone in their top wines.
There are Dijon/Bernard clones in the region, mainly 95, 96, 277 and 76, which produce very different fruit profiles and acid drives to Gingin. There are very few top-tier wines made using exclusively these clones, however there are several producers that blend these in with the Gingin component. As the Dijon/Bernard clones express inversely, they are often treated differently in the winery (widespread malolactic fermentation, for a start), which only exacerbates their blending attributes. Several producers who work with these clones include Voyager Estate, Windows Estate, Domaine Naturaliste (Purus) and Larry Cherubino, in either some or all their top cuvées.
There is one sparkling producer featured in this report that works with an array of Chardonnay clones for their purposes—Clones 1 (I10V1), 5 (G9V7), 7 (G9V7 H90.1) as a part of those aforementioned, sans Gingin—and that “Blanc de Blanc” perspective is an interesting and valid inclusion in this report. Each of these clones brings with it specific attributes that favor sparkling wine production over table wine; I tasted through a collection of clonally isolated base wines for the purpose of this report—the distinctions between which were vivid.
The 2022 crush statistics for Chardonnay are thought-provoking in that they reveal that Chardonnay is not the most ubiquitous grape in the region, although it is the most expensive, pipping Cabernet Sauvignon at the post at circa $2,000 per ton (average national price is circa $500 a ton). Semillon is the highest percentage of crush at 34.08% of the total in 2022, followed by Sauvignon Blanc at 33.74% of the total—clearly blending partners. Chardonnay is a way down at 24.79% of the total (3,830 tons), followed by Chenin Blanc at just 5.48% of the total.
Chardonnay Winemaking Style
When we consider Chardonnay, the “handpicked, whole-bunch pressed, wild ferment on high solids in barrel, matured for 10 months in French oak” commentary was repeated many times. Very few producers are experimenting with extended time on skins in the pursuit of skin-contact white wines or extended time in oak—i.e., beyond 10-14 months—and press methods were not widely discussed with me. Several producers are working with amphora and concrete, and I found these wines to be wholly exciting when paired with the high-quality fruit that went into them. The phenolics interact well with these materials and imbue the wines with an unforced, mineral, effortless feel. The adherence to wild ferment (for many but not all the producers) has yielded wines of greater complexity and balance, although it does not preclude those who choose to inoculate, and the resistance to early sulfuring in barrel has only added to the complexity of the best. Malolactic fermentation remains a divisive tool for the Gingin clone Chardonnay producers. I find this interesting and suspect that it may morph over time. In conjunction, bâtonnage is another contrivance employed to greater and lesser effect. Picking windows as a philosophy was the other area of great significance here. The difference in days to the final wine is stark, and some who choose to pick on the “al dente” side of ripe are responsible for wines with piercing intensity of acidity. Equally, wines picked later grow exponentially in volume and breadth—although the acidity feels immovable.
Stylistically across the country, the Australian Chardonnay pendulum has swung away from the hideously obese wines of the excessive 1980s period, to anemic, acid-driven, early-picked wines of the early to mid 2000s, back to the powerful, high solids, wild, complex wines we see today. Many producers in Margaret River have remained fundamentally immune to the bloating and contracting of trends over the years, and this has held them in good stead. The direction now seems to be sitting comfortably at around 13% to 13.5% alcohol, not due to chasing this outcome but as a result of growing and picking the fruit in order to most eloquently express site. As a group, the Chardonnay wines were more adventurous than the Cabernets, and it was a pleasure to witness many producers experimenting with different styles and methods while still deftly retaining a sense of place and terroir in the wines.
I have a lingering question about the dogged and exclusive adherence to the low-yielding Gingin clone: In the pursuit of purity and power, are potential complexity and dimension sacrificed? After years of tasting these wines, I don’t know what I believe, but I’m asking the question repeatedly, as I see the possibility for further exploration and discussion on this point. (As an addendum, the highest-scoring Chardonnays in this report were made with 100% Gingin fruit.)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the state’s highest-value wine grape variety, and there are two main clones in Western Australia. The ubiquitous and higher-yielding SA126 (South Australia 126 clone) was introduced into WA in 1969. This clone is lighter in fruit intensity and more herbaceous in character than the more highly regarded Houghton Selection clones. The “Houghton Selection” is from a five-acre vineyard block planted at the original Houghton vineyard site in the Swan Valley in the 1930s. This massal selection comprised a number of high-performing vines, which were cultivated and planted across the state (and now further afield). This “clone” (or collection of clones) is widely recognized for growing with lower vigor, lower yields and riper, more concentrated fruit characters (less of the herbaceous characters, more of the ripe raspberry). In the mouth, wines made with this/these clones are pure, intense and supple. This latter clone grows and expresses very well up and down the Margaret River cape, but it undoubtedly has a crucial home in Wilyabrup (north of Margaret River town) and has been the foundation for the great Cabernets grown here.
There are some “newer” Bordeaux clones that I tasted and discussed during this report: 169 and 337, although these are nowhere near as widely planted and offer very different tannic and flavor profiles.
Merlot (10% of total crush in Margaret River in 2022) was widely planted in the early days of the region and blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. The original clone was poorly suited to the region and has been replaced by the more premium Malbec (only 2% of the total crush in the 2022 crush statistics) as a preferred blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon. The following two clones are clawing Merlot’s way back into the quality game: 181 (Bordeaux) and the Q45-14 (Italy) clone.
Cabernet Sauvignon Winemaking Styles
Cabernet Sauvignon accounted for 44% of Margaret River’s annual crush in 2022 and is even less malleable to diversity with regard to winemaking styles; I tasted only a tiny handful of wines made from this grape that were fermented and/or matured in something other than French oak. (American oak or, indeed, oak from any other source seems to be almost nonexistent in Margaret River. I would add that the exploration and experimentation in oak (and alternate vessels in general) among producers here is impressive to say the least). One, a magical wine of global intrigue although of painfully small quantity (200 liters!), the others beautiful, lithe and fascinating to taste. I look forward to watching their aging progression over time.
The biggest issue facing Cabernet Sauvignons in Margaret River (from a stylistic standpoint) is the temptation to pick late, over-extract and over-oak. “Bigger” is not better. In fact, “bigger” disguises the grace and majesty inherent in the region, an aesthetic choice that buggers the very thing that makes the wines exceptional. The Cabernet Sauvignons from this region are supple, ductile things of agile textile and saturated red fruit characters, overlaid with nori/brine/saltbush and coastal freshness. The best are astoundingly good, long-lived, effortless wines that fluently declare place. The best of these I believe will not only begin to reshape the face of premium Cabernet Sauvignon globally but will guide the astute drinkers and collectors to a more pleasurable and nuanced Cabernet existence.
Report and Conclusion
This report was undertaken to assess the current state of play in Margaret River and its future in the world of fine wine. In the pursuit of context, I tasted and wrote about over 350 Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines—423 included in the report, although some from other regions in Western Australia—and tasted (but not published) a further 156 barrel samples of 2022 Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. More on the conclusion of those extensive tastings later.
I was overwhelmed by the support and generosity of all 76 producers who provided verticals in situ, samples via post and time either in person or virtually and their openness in discussing stylistic evolution over time: highlights, lowlights and, most importantly, the dissection and consideration of the bright future of the region.
Crucially underpinning all of this, of course, are the vineyards, and there is an entire chapter to be built around the growing areas within Margaret River: Wilyabrup, Wallcliffe, Karridale, Yallingup, Carbanup, Treeton and more.
Due to the size of the producers in the region, the viticulture is hands-on and detailed, responsive to the seasons and exposition and widely sustainable, either in certification or practice or both. Responsible and astute agronomy rules the day. Driving through the region reveals a rich tapestry of lush-looking vineyards (even now, with dormant vines and winter grasses), and walking through those vineyards during the growing season yields an acoustic cacophony of insects, birds, springy soils and diverse inter-row plantings.
Consider this report “part one” of a long-ranging observation of this place. Stay tuned.
To suggest that Larry Cherubino makes a prodigious amount of wine would be both correct and a gentle understatement. However, he and his winemaking team (not to be overlooked or underestimated) are responsible for a huge number of very high quality wines, as are evidenced in this report. The Chardonnays are routinely made in a full-bodied, plush style, which is created by winemaking rather than later picking dates. The wines are enveloping, rich, balanced and opulent, in many cases, yet always classy. The Cabernets are often supported by a profusion of very high quality French oak. They offer cellaring propositions of the highest order, emphasized by Larry's access to very high quality fruit and very high attention to detail in his vineyards. The wines included in this report are his Margaret River wines, but he also makes a collection of wines from the Great Southern. The "plus" signs in the scores here indicate that the wines will be better with time.
2022 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
The fruit for this wine was sourced from both Karridale (in the south) and Wilyabrup (north of Margaret River town) and was handpicked, whole-bunch pressed and fermented in French oak (both new and seasoned) prior to six months' maturation. In the mouth, the 2022 Margaret River Chardonnay is laden with piercing acidic intensity (no doubt from the Karridale component), while the fruit that swarms around it is powerful, creamy and juicy. An opulent wine without overt profligacy, this is hitting a sweet spot of balance. This is a very impressive wine, gentle, in its way. It has notes of salted yellow peach, apple skins, dried curry leaves, coastal brine, crushed shells and preserved yuzu. There are notes of white flowers in abundance along with crushed nuts/almond meal/toasted pistachio. This is astoundingly good, but it will get better.
96 points
2021 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
The 2021 Margaret River Chardonnay is aromatically opulent and rich, layered with toasty oak, stewed apples and a flick of custard powder. In the mouth, this is full, abundant, lush and long, with loads of custard apple, nashi pear, sandalwood and pastry. It is flamboyant, in its way. It is satisfying, verging on old school, but with clarity and flair. It is airy and warming, like a feather quilt in winter.
95+ points
2022 CHERUBINO GINGIN CHARDONNAY
The 2022 Gingin Willows Vineyard Chardonnay is pretty, with custard apple, donut peach, cinnamon, croissant, vanilla pod and almond meal in profusion. It's like a feather pillow—soft, sinking, soft. In the mouth, the acid pulls it firmly back onto the rails and imbues it with a backbone. What a pretty thing this is. It is so plump, but structured and fine. It has a shells and spray sort of character.
94+ points
2022 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER GRENACHE ROSE
I really like this wine. Far from being a simple, summer quaffer, the 2022 Willows Vineyard Grenache Rosé is concentrated and gently textural, with layers of undulating flavour that spread across the palate. The time in two and three year old oak has imbued a softness and completion in this wine, resulting in a sapid, supple wine. It has notes of pink peppercorns, raspberry leaf tea, violets, crushed nuts, rosemary, milk chocolate (odd, but present?) and summer mulberries. This is gorgeous, a lovely use of handpicked Grenache fruit. Recommended.
94 points
2022 CHERUBINO CAVES ROAD CHARDONNAY
2022 was in stark contrast to the 2021 season prior to it. Where 2021 had plenty of rain throughout the growing season, it was also cooler than the 2022 season. The wines from 2022 are powerfully driven and fruited, with the whites (particularly the Chardonnays) showing many of the same unbound fruit drive/soft acid qualities found in the 2014 vintage. Here, the 2022 Caves Road Chardonnay is still utterly inchoate and unevolved: cool ferment/banana-lolly esters and green apples dominate the nose. In the mouth, the wine is powerful, fulsome and plush. It is buxom, almost, with notes of yellow-flesh peach. It is forward, due to the warmth of the growing season, and resplendent in oak and richness. The fruit is sourced from Wilyabrup, Karridale and Wallcliffe. This is painfully young for release, with crushed nuts and marzipan through the finish.
93+ points
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is concentrated and shapely, with a skin of dusty, drying tannins that encase the supple, raspberry-laden fruit. There is a muscular display of oak and dried spice here, with notes of nutmeg, clove, star anise, dried bay leaves, nori, cassis and iodine. This has brilliant, exciting fruit. It was matured for 12 months in a combination of new and one year old French oak; the balance feels tipped in the "new" direction. This will age gracefully.
93+ points
2022 CHERUBINO DIJON CHARDONNAY
The 2022 Dijon Wychwood Vineyard Chardonnay is austere, tight and powerful. It's an interesting thing, the combination of the warm vintage in a cool area. It can bring both elements into focus. This is a very good wine. There are notes of savoury peach, lemongrass, sandalwood and malt biscuits. The Dijon clones perform so differently in the mouth than the Gingin clone does—this has a linearity and firmness
92+ points
2022 PEDESTAL ELEVATION CHARDONNAY
The 2022 Elevation Chardonnay is creamy, plush and soft, with layers of custard powder, stewed apple, yellow peach and Portuguese tart. There is also a hint of crème brûlée top. This is a big, pillowy pleasure.
92 points
Matthew Jukes 100 Best Australian Wines 2022/23
November 2022
2021 Laissez Faire Fiano & 2020 Laissez faire riesling
It is impossible to taste Aussie wines made from Italian grape varieties and not compare them to the original European models. So, here we go - a brutally honest assessment of both this wine and also its Campanian competitors. Laissez Faire packs more drama, electricity, raspiness, and varietal accuracy into just one bottle than more Italian examples do into a case. And while there is no Pompei in Frankland River, the talcy minerality that underpins the delicate floral and stone fruit tones is every bit as exhilarating as the fine wines drunk on the Amalfi coast and beyond. This is a monumental Fiano, and it is sold at a price that ought to allow everyone keen to discover this grape's potential to taste it. In addition, Larry Cherubino's elemental winemaking is responsible for 2020 Laissez Faire Riesling - a searingly bright and devastatingly dry Riesling that cleanses your palate and your soul while you sip it. PS - I have been fortunate to taste a huge range of Larry's wines over the past couple of years, including during the various lockdowns, and it would be remiss of me not to point out a handful of life-changing wines. 2019 Cherubino Gingin Chardonnay is the only Chardonnay to which I have given a perfect score outside of Leeuwin's Art Series. 2018 Uovo Grenache is as modern as it is ancient, showing that you do not have to live in McLaren Vale to make a truly stellar Grenache. And finally, two wines that ought to be in the UK in large numbers but are sorely missing from this Report - 2018 Cherubino Cabernet and 2020 Cherubino Chardonnay are exemplars of their styles, demonstrating yet again that this man makes wines that others can only dream of.
2023 Harvest Report
May 2023
The 2023 vintage in Western Australia produced some exceptional wines, with cool temperatures throughout the region allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in wines with full developed flavours and excellent acidity in whites, as well as deep colour and complexity in red varieties.
MARGARET RIVER
The Margaret River region experienced a cool and dry season with excellent winter rains, which allowed for good yields and exceptional quality in both whites and reds. The whites in particular were outstanding with bright acidity and intense fruit flavours, earning a rating of 8.5/10. The reds were also impressive, with good structure and a rating of 8/10.
PEMBERTON
The Pemberton region experienced similar conditions to Margaret River, with excellent winter rains followed by extended periods of cool and dry weather. This allowed for grapes to ripen steadily and with excellent balance and depth, particularly in the standout Chardonnay. The whites earned a rating of 8.5/10 while the reds received a rating of 7.5/10.
FRANKLAND RIVER
In the Frankland River region, good winter rains and low to moderate crops resulted in slower ripening times, producing wines with spicy flavours in Shiraz and deep complex characters in Bordeaux varietals. The whites, particularly Riesling and Fiano, were of exceptional quality with a rating of 8/10. The reds, with a rating of 9/10, were a highlight of the vintage with excellent structure, depth and ageing potential.
Overall, the 2023 vintage in Western Australia produced some exceptional wines, with the cool and dry conditions leading to balanced and nuanced wines across the region.
Best Large Cellar Door!
April 2022
WINNER - Best Large Cellar Door
Gourmet Travelller Wine
Australia's Best Cellar Door Awards 2022
"When it comes to Western Australia’s wine regions, there is no question that Margaret River is the jewel in the crown. Responsible for just 2-3% of Australia’s total production, this little maritime stretch of 100km produces around 20 per cent of the country’s premium wine. The past year has seen a number of pleasant developments throughout the region’s cellar door offerings. Covid fast tracked paid and bookable seated tastings, which are largely now the norm at cellar doors that take their guest experience seriously. Additional tours and experiences have stepped up a notch which is great news for wine tourists who want to dive a little deeper."
Cassandra Charlick
James Suckling reviews
19th October 2022
2019 CHERUBINO BUDWORTH CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Crushed stone and blackberry with oyster shell and iodine aromas and flavours. Medium body. Integrated and sophisticated tannins, and a long and serious finish. Complex wine. Drink or hold.
96 points
2018 CHERUBINO FRAKLAND RIVER CABERNET CLONAL SELECTION
Blackcurrants, crushed stone, and oyster shell with some seaweed aromas and flavours. Hints of tar. Medium body, fine and caressing tannins. Delicious finish. So drinkable now but will age beautifully.
95 points
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
Delicious nose of salted caramel, apricots, white grapefruits, mangoes and praline. Some nougat. Creamy, phenolic and layered with bright acidity. Medium to full body. Lots going on, with flinty, spicy edges to the bright and fleshy fruit. Long and concentrated. Drink now or hold.
95 points
2020 CHERUBINO GINGIN CHARDONNAY
Attractive, flinty aromas of lemon curd, thyme, rosemary, nutmeg and dried grapefruit. Medium-bodied with bright, persistent acidity. Rounded texture with fresh citrus and dried pear character. Nicely structured with refreshing tannins at the finish. Drink now.
95 points
2021 CHERUBINO CAVES ROAD CHARDONNAY
A very minerally and lemony white with sliced green white peaches and crushed stones. Medium body. Tight and linear finish. Dried lemons at the end. Needs a couple of years to soften. Chablis-like. Drink now.
94 points
2020 CHERUBINO DIJON CHARDONNAY
An intense, compact chardonnay with aromas of salted almonds, buttered toast, pineapples, grapefruits and flint stones. Medium to full body with tangy acidity and a dense and phenolic texture. Long and flinty at the end. Drink now or hold.
94 points
2021 THE YARD RIVERSDALE RIESLING
An expressive nose of sliced peaches, lime zest, lily, jasmine and sweet thyme. Medium-bodied with tight structure. Linear onto the palate with very good drive and clarity. Mineral undertones help articulate the herbs and peachy fruit. Nicely balanced as well. I like the intensity. Drink or hold.
94 points
2022 CHERUBINO GREAT SOUTHERN RIESLING
Very bright and youthful with pink grapefruit, orange blossom and lemon sherbet aromas. At once succulent and racy with tremendous vitality and energy. Very long and focused finish with impressive mineral depth. A very successful cuvee of wines from three sites in this large appellation. Drink or hold.
94 points
2019 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
A medium-bodied red with blackberries, iodine and terra cotta. Polished and refined tannins that are supple and pretty. Juicy fruit. Polished tannins. Very drinkable. Drink now.
93 points
2019 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Juicy and delicious with fresh herbs, berries, tobacco, and oyster shell. Medium-bodied. Creamy tannins. Drink or hold.
93 points
2020 PEDESTAL ELEVATION CHARDONNAY
Complex notes of spiced pears, cloves, peach stones, dried lemons, flint and toasted cereals. Medium to full body with spicy and concentrated layers. Phenolic and compact. Drink or hold.
93 points
2022 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER RIESLING
The slightly oily nose of star fruit is striking, if not overly demonstrative, but this Frankland River dry riesling packs quite a punch on the generous, ripe and very zesty palate. A bit of tannin at the finish, but it’s well integrated. Drink or hold.
93 points
2021 CHERUBINO PORONGURUP RIESLING
Aromas of pears, beeswax, peaches and crushed rosemary. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Rounded and gentle but there is subtle structure framing the palate allowing for lovely clarity and length. Transparent and succulent. Drink or hold.
93 points
2020 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ
Aromas of crushed blackberries, plums, blueberries and fresh coffee. Medium- to full-bodied with silky texture and tannins. Fresh and succulent on the palate with a bit of chew at the finish. Seamless and very even on the palate. Drink now.
93 points
2020 THE YARD RIVERSDALE SHIRAZ
Aromas of crushed blackberries, plums, cocoa and espresso. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Very good intensity and density which wraps around the palate. Fresh acidity keeps things from getting too brooding. Nicely composed. Drink now.
93 points
2020 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ BLOCK 7
A black and blue fruited nose of blackberries, plums, gravel and leafy herbs. Full-bodied with velvety tannins. Brooding with dark fruit and savoury spice. Moss and bark come through as well. Dense and deep. Drink or hold.
93 points
2020 THE YARD JUSTIN SHIRAZ
An inviting nose of blackberries, plums, melted chocolate and grilled herbs. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Savoury, pleasantly dense and textured. A sturdy core of black fruit sits at the centre, complemented by ground spice and fresh herbs. Nicely composed and generous without being overdone. Drink or hold.
93 points
2020 CHERUBINO OMAGGIO SHIRAZ MALBEC
A plummy nose of black cherries, chicory root and bark. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly chewy tannins. Juicy and pleasantly fresh with steady acidity and an open finish. Rather attractive. Drink now.
93 points
2020 CHERUBINO OMAGGIO SHIRAZ MATARO
A very pretty concentration and balance to this with medium, round tannins and a crunchy acidity. Medium body. Juicy fruit and a flavourful finish. Blackberry and hints of green stems. As it should be. Drink or hold.
93 points
2020 LAISSEZ FAIRE ARNEIS
Fragrant notes of white lavender, pears, dried lemons, beeswax, lemongrass and juniper berries. Textured and spicy with a medium body and tangy acidity. I like the wild herb and spice notes on a lengthy finish. Vegan. Drink now.
92 points
2021 CHERUBINO CAVES ROAD CHARDONNAY
A vibrant chardonnay with aromas of sea shells, pie crust, salted pineapples, spiced pears and lime zest. Hazelnuts, too. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and a textured, saline finish. Drink now or hold.
92 points
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE IV BLEND
A perfumed nose of crushed herbs, black tea, pitted cherries and sliced plums. Medium-bodied with gentle, fine tannins. Linear onto the palate with the plummy character taking charge. A bit of peppery, spice character comes in as well. A blend of counoise, mataro, shiraz and grenache. Drink now.
92 points
2022 THE YARD CHANNYBEARUP SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sliced green apples and green mango aromas and flavours with crisp pears. Some lemongrass, too. Medium body. Lively acidity. Clean finish. Drink now.
92 points
2020 THE YARD ACACIA SHIRAZ
Aromas of black tea, leafy herbs, sliced plums and gravel. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and succulent with the black tea character expanding on the palate through to a persistent finish. Tasty stuff. Drink now.
92 points
2020 LAISSEZ FAIRE CHARDONNAY
Pineapples, white grapefruit and pear skins on the nose with salted butter and salted nuts. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and creamy, deliciously saline finish. Drink now.
91 points
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE FIANO
A more restrained fiano with aromas of dried apples, spiced pears, grapefruits, sea shells and white pepper. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and compact layers. Vegan. Drink now.
91 points
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE MENCIA
A fruity, creamy red with aromas of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, thyme and licorice. Medium to full body with sleek tannins and a peppery, youthful finish. Vegan. Drink now.
91 points
2021 CHERUBINO PEMBERTON PINOT NOIR
A fragrant, fruity pinot with aromas of sliced strawberries, rose hips, hibiscus and rosemary. Orange zest, too. Crunchy, gently stemmy tannins here. Medium-bodied. Transparent. Drink now or hold.
91 points
2020 CHERUBINO PORONGURUP PINOT NOIR
Baked blueberries, strawberries, bitter chocolate and chai on the nose. Medium to full body with ripe, creamy tannins. Dark and spicy. Drink now.
90 points
2022 LAISSEZ FAIRE RIESLING
A crisp and zesty dry riesling that's got plenty of citrusy fruit, but is quite steely on the palate. You need to like forthright acidity to really enjoy this. Drink now.
90 points
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE FIELD BLEND
Lots of peaches and sliced apple with some stone and tangerine aromas that follow through to a full body. Creamy texture. Slightly candied fruit at the end. Drink now.
89 points
Margaret River Wine Guide - Andrew Caillard MW
July 2022
Andrew Caillard MW has released an eJournal which explores the foundations and current state of play in Margaret River, one of Australia's greatest wine regions, including the key Houghton and Gingin clones, sustainability and reviews of over 200 wines.
Here are our five wines featured in this eJournal:
2020 CHERUBINO GINGIN CHARDONNAY
Pale colour. Lemon curd, white peach, nectarine, grapefruit aromas with expressive flinty notes. Beautiful lemon glacé, white peach, apricot, grapefruit flavours, fine loose-knit al dente textures, superb mid-palate richness and underlying grilled nut, vanilla notes. Finishes crispy with stone fruit notes. All of the elements in perfect symmetry.
97 points
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
Pale colour. Grapefruit, white peach, gunflint aromas with light marzipan notes. Well balanced wine with lemon glacé, sweet grapefruit flavours, fine loose-knit/lacy textures, very good mid-palate viscosity, some marzipan/vanilla notes and fresh long indelible acidity. Some bittersweet notes. Delicious wine with excellent fruit definition and mineral length.
95 points
2020 CHERUBINO DIJON CHARDONNAY
Pale colour. Lemon curd, nectarine aromas with yeasty/tonic water, vanilla notes. Fresh sweet lemon glacé, lime, nectarine fruits, fine lacy textures, very good mid-palate volume and integrated pure acidity. Crunchy fresh at the finish.
94 points
2020 PEDESTAL ELEVATION CHARDONNAY
Pale colour. Pure grapefruit, nectarine, flinty aromas with grilled nut notes. Creamy textured wine with ample stonefruit, marzipan, grilled nut flavours, some crème brulee notes, lovely mid-palate viscosity, al dente/lacy textures and fresh persistent crisp acidity. Textbook Margaret River chardonnay.
96 points
2019 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Medium-deep crimson. Fresh dark chocolate, dark cherry, mocha, espresso aromas with chinotto notes. Very well made wine with fresh blackcurrant, dark cherry, mocha, espresso flavours, fine loose-knit chocolatey textures, and lovely fine mineral acidity. Finishes velvety firm. Impressively balanced wine with lovely plushness of fruit and supple structure. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
95 points
James Halliday's Top 100 of 2022
Saturday 19th November
Once again we have been lucky enough to be included in James Halliday's Top 100 wines of 2022. Our Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet was featured as one of the Top 40 Reds over $40.
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
It's not common to describe a 2yo cabernet as charming, indeed sensual, but this is what you get here. There's juicy cassis fruit, quality cedary French oak, and perfectly pitched tannins. Moreover, it will gain in richness and complexity over the next 10–15 years.
97 points
The Evolution of Australian Chardonnay - Club Oenologique
December 2022
It started with the ‘liberation’ of some vines from a Penfolds vineyard. Five decades on, Huon Hooke glories in just how far Chardonnay has come down under, with a look at the top current examples.
2020 Cherubino margaret RIver chardonnay
Larry Cherubino has sourced grapes from the north and south of Margaret River: Wilyabrup and Karridale. The bouquet here recalls almond meal, pencil wood, cashew nut and cream cheese, grapefruit chiming in later. It is delicate, refined and subtle in the mouth, but also intense and penetrating, with mouthwatering acidity and a refreshing aftertaste that begs for another sip. Delicious and complete.
96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinuous
September 2022
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
The top of the line Chardonnay from Larry Cherubino in 2020 draws in fruit from both cooler and warmer parts of Margaret River in Karridale and Wilyabrup. It’s an acid driven style with impressive fruit focus. Though a little closed, there are delicious citrus grapefruit pith and peel aromas well matched to prominent, high grade oak. Explosive flavours follow on a vivacious palate while precision is retained along the full length of the palate through to a very long and fine finish. It’s a n impressive example of the modern Australian style although needs time to hit its peak.
96 points
2019 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Larry Cherubino’ s Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River does no disappoint in 2019. Aromas are powerful, poised and precise - blackcurrant, violets and fresh sage with caramel oak influences couched in nicely behind. Followed by a reserved and elegant palate, it is fine, detailed and beautifully balanced with exceptional purity of fruit and supported for long, fine grained tannins to a very impressive finish. The balance and blend of fruit and structure is remarkable and promises a long life ahead.
96 points
2020 CHERUBINO GINGIN CHARDONNAY
The 2020 Chardonnay Gingin effortlessly illustrates the sheer class of the Gingin clone in Margaret River. There is a superb mix of power and complexity thanks to highly expressive aromas of nectarine, pear and florals well integrated with subtle vanillan French oak underpinned by fantastic energy and purity of fruit. Delicious tension between bright acidity and fruit follows with impressive mid-palate sweetness of citrus and tropical flavours before delivering a long, sustained finished with attractive grip. This will blossom beautifully with time in bottle.
94 points
2020 PEDESTAL ELEVATION CHARDONNAY
Drawn from the Pedestal vineyard which is planted on one of the highest points of the Wilyabrup Valley, the 2020 Chardonnay Pedestal Elevation is a well made wine showing both power and subtlety. Classic nectarine and floral fruits are beautifully integrated with high quality nutty French oak. Lovely palate focus follows with impressive richness well supported by zesty acidity. Gentle phenolics provide grip which supports a long and refined finish. Impressive.
93 points
2020 CHERUBINO GINGIN CHARDONNAY
A twin to the Gingin label, the 2020 Chardonnay Dijon has been made exclusively with fruit from Dijon clones grown in the cooler Karridale region of Margaret River. The result is a youthful and vibrant wine that carries power and subtlety. It is highly complex thanks to a blend of citrus and floral aromas lifted high by nutty, flinty complexity. There is also a delightful texture and fruit purity finely balanced with a core of tight acidity supporting pithy/citrus peel flavours and subtle oak. Another impressive wine from the Cherubino stable.
92 points
2020 PEDESTAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON
This Cabernet Sauvignon Pedestal is an attractively savoury rendition of Margaret River from 2020. It offers up a variety of aromas including black olive, beef stock and blackberry fruits which are well woven into spicy/cedary oak. Succulent dark berry fruits return on the palate, while still retaining a savoury feel. Ample mouthcoating tannins and fresh acidity also provide good structure suggesting its best years are a little way off.
91 points
2022 Western Australian Boutique and Single Vineyard Wine Show
29 November 2022
Results for the 2022 Western Australian Boutique and Single Vineyard Wine Show have been released where we have once again been very successful. The 2020 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay won 2 x Trophies. We had a total of 7 x Gold medals, 4 x Silver medals & 7 x Bronze Medals. Full list is as follows:
2020 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay - 2 x TROPHIES & Gold Medal
Best Chardonnay
White Wine of the Show
GOLD MEDAL
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Riesling
2020 Cherubino Gingin Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Shiraz Mataro
2021 Laissez Faire Fiano
2020 The Yard Acacia Shiraz
2022 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
SILVER MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2022 Cherubino Margaret River Rose
2022 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
BRONZE MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon Clonal Selection
2021 Cherubino Bianco
2021 Laissez Faire Mencia
2020 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir
2021 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Gewurztraminer
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
2022 Wine Show of Western Australia
Friday 14th October
Full results for the Wine Show of Western Australia have been released where we have once again received the Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor along with 5 other Trophies! As wella as these Trophies we had a total of 63 wines score a medal, 13 which are Gold! Please see the full listing below:
Most Successful Exhibitor Overall - TROPHY
2022 Laissez Faire Riesling - 3 x TROPHIES
Best Riesling
Best Great Southern White
Best & Most Distinctive Regional Character
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling - 1 x Trophy
Best Aged Riesling
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Gewurztraminer - 1 x Trophy
Best Fortified or Sweet Wine
GOLD MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Gingin Chardonnay
2022 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2021 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Clonal Selection
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2020 Uovo Riesling
2022 Laissez Faire Riesling
2021 Laissez Faire Riesling
2014 Laissez Faire Riesling
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Gewurztraminer
2020 The Yard Justin Shiraz
2020 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
SILVER MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2021 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2015 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2013 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2011 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2022 Cherubino Frankland River Riesling
2019 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2020 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2020 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz Block 7
2021 Cherubino Nebbiolo
2014 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Uovo Cabernet Touriga
2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend
2022 Laissez Faire Field Blend
2022 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2020 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2009 The Yard Whispering Hill Riesling
2008 The Yard Whispering Hill Riesling
2007 The Yard Single Vineyard Riesling
2021 Pedestal Tempranillo Grenache
2021 Pedestal Shiraz
2020 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2022 Folklore Classic White
BRONZE MEDAL
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Bianco
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Rose
2019 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Wine
2021 Cherubino Pemberton Pinot Noir
2012 Cherubino Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Uovo Riesling
2021 Uovo Nebbiolo Cabernet
2020 Laissez Faire Porongurup Pinot Noir
2021 Laissez Faire Mencia
2021 Laissez Faire Pinot Blanc
2019 Laissez Faire Malbec
2013 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2011 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2010 The Yard Pusey Road Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Pedestal Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Pedestal Chardonnay
2021 Ad Hoc Hen & Chicken Chardonnay
2021 Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir
2022 Ad Hoc Nitty Gritty Pinot Grigio
2021 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
2020 Apostrophe Possessive Reds’
2022 Folklore Classic Dry Rose
Great Value Wines: 8 Margaret River Chardonnay for under $40
28 November 2021
You may know Margaret River as somewhat of a benchmark for Australian cabernet sauvignon, but the chardonnays produced there are also fantastic and give great bang for the buck. We have always been big fans of the best chardonnays of the region, and some of our favorite bottles include Vasse Felix Chardonnay Margaret River Heytesbury, Cloudburst Chardonnay Margaret River, Deep Woods Estate Chardonnay Margaret River Reserve and Cullen Chardonnay Margaret River Kevin John.
The Margaret River wine region sits on a cape in Western Australia about 270 kilometers (170 miles) south of Perth. It’s surrounded by water on three sides – Cape Naturaliste and Geographe Bay to the north, Cape Leeuwin and the Southern Ocean to the south and the Indian Ocean hugging the western exposure between them. The drive from Perth seems to take forever, but once you’re there it’s a beautiful, unspoiled ocean paradise with savannah-like wilderness and picture-perfect beaches for surfing. James says it reminds him of the North County region of San Diego, California, back in the 1960s and 1970s when he was growing up nearby.
Vineyards were first planted in Margaret River in 1967 by Tom Cullity, who was influenced by a University of Western Australia research paper the year before describing the area as well suited to viticulture – providing proper drainage were available to handle the heavy rains the region can sometimes get. Vasse Felix was the first vineyard planted in the area and was soon followed by Moss Wood, Cape Mentelle, Cullen, Sandalford, Leeuwin Estate, Woodlands and Wrights. You can find Great Value chardonnays from Vasse Felix and Leeuwin listed below.
Because of the breezy, cool influence of the surrounding water and air currents, Margaret River enjoys a long and slow growing season that really allows producers to zero in on the style of wine they want to make year after year. This brings an enviable amount of consistency to the grape, particularly in comparison with the eastern parts of Australia. The soils vary from place to place within the Margaret River region but overall are some of the oldest in the world, with a good amount of laterite, iron and decomposed granite providing excellent mineral balance.
What we really love about Margaret River is the purity of its fruit expression. While the fruit character is generally ripe, the wines retain their freshness and never come across as overblown or fatty. They are dynamic, concentrated and absolutely delicious.
Below are eight wines we feel reflect the fantastic range of high-quality chardonnay that Margaret River has to offer. From the oldest winery in Margaret River to more up-and-coming names, each of these wines has that purity and clarity from the region that we adore. Once you get your hands on a bottle, do not be surprised to see a screw cap, which is the closure of choice here, even for the highest-end bottles. Winemakers often keep this choice of closure in mind while creating the final blend to make sure they don’t come off as unintentionally reductive when they are opened young, and also so they can age steadily for years to come.
We hope the list below opens you up to the enticing possibilities that Margaret River chardonnays have to offer, and all the bottles are available from any reputable wine retailer for under $40. And stay tuned for our Top 100 Wines of Australia 2021 report, coming soon, which will include a few higher-end chardonnays from the region.
– Nathan Slone, Associate Editor
International price: $38
Larry Cherubino goes fringe in Frankland River
22nd October
Can the fringe ever become mainstream? If WA’s winemaking history is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding: yes.
Since vines first took root in WA there have been waves of new varietal plantings, influenced by immigration, culture change or simply availability. The first varieties were shipped from the Cape of Good Hope in 1829, and listed as “a white varietal called ‘sweetwater’ and ‘El Mirror’ muscatel”. Grenache arrived in the 1860s, originally for fortified wines, later repurposed for heavy reds in the mid 20th century, evolving again in recent vintages as some producers grow and make grenache into a lighter, elegant styles.
Over the past fifty years, vine plantings have been dominated by the French classics. Why? Because they were deemed to fit perfectly with the conditions of our pioneering South West regions. Also, because they were widely revered as the ‘noble varieties’. As regions were established, and swiftly grew to achieve global recognition, these varieties have stayed dominant. There are, however, literally thousands of wine grape varieties grown across the globe. Many of these are simply-made, Italian or Spanish village wines, grown and enjoyed for hundreds of years, but never outside their region. Globalisation has changed this and, with a growing consumer interest in fringe varieties, it seems likely that some will emerge as new favourites. The varieties which find simpatico with our climate, our palate and our budget may well ride the next wave in WA.
Larry Cherubino is one of a number of wine growers leading the charge to find out. Since purchasing the Frankland River vineyard Riversdale in 2010, Cherubino has done the hard yards, importing and eventually planting cuttings from some of his favourite European varieties. The process of selection, importation, quarantine and propagation up to commercial quantity can take up to 10 years, meaning that it takes considerable vision and a long term investment. At Riversdale, new plantings include Mencia and Counoise for reds and Fiano for whites.
Unlike some producers, Cherubino doesn’t necessarily want big flavour concentration. He’s looking for “detail and definition” and “complexity from the field rather than winemaking”. He’s also got an eye on climate, demanding only varieties that are tolerant of low-rainfall conditions, to handle current and future dry vintages. With the varieties chosen, he sees enough of a parallel between their European growing conditions and those of Frankland River, to believe they could be successful.
Fiano is a thick-skinned, textural, white variety, sourced from a favourite producer in Avellino, near the Amalfi coast in Italy. Mencia, a wonderfully aromatic, intensely coloured red from Bierzo in North West Spain. Counoise, a lesser known blending variety from France’s Rhone Valley, used for elegance, to ‘break the back’ of heavier varieties. All three varieties feature in his Laissez Faire range which has a focus on minimal inputs and come highly recommended.
2021 Laissez Faire Fiano, Frankland River
The fiano grapes were gently handled and fermented in a combination of old oak and concrete eggs. This has allowed the fruit to be expressed unencumbered, and has simultaneously built texture into the wine. Dried apple, peach and apricot are liberally spread across the nose and palate. Graceful, yet full in fruit weight with a delicately pithy mouthfeel. Refreshing cleansing acidity glides through to the finish.
94/100
2021 Laissez Faire Mencia, Frankland River
Vibrant purple hues make for a striking first impression. Mid-weight and lightly textured with a crisp, youthful, juiciness. Blueberries, blackberries and florals, through to a mineral-driven finish with aniseed and a lick of ironstone. The subtle vanilla oak from 10 months oak maturation sits in the background. Dry, refreshing acidity keeps the whole palate vibrant and fresh.
93/100
2021 Laissez Faire IV (Counoise Mataro Shiraz Grenache), Frankland River
Counoise is the dominant partner here, making up 44 per cent of the blend. As such, it’s not your typical ‘Rhone blend’. Perfumed red berries, ripe strawberry and tart blackcurrant — ‘summer pudding’ — if you’ve tried it. Crunchy acidity adds palate tension and keeps the mouthfeel on the lighter side of full. Dry, super-fine tannins add a savoury bite. Some thyme and sweet cedar (from oak) add richness to the back-palate and round it off nicely.
92/100
Paul Edwards, The West Australian
Robert Parker Wine Advocate reviews
July 2022
The following reviews by Erin Larkin for the Robert Parker Wine advocate website were recently released:
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
The 2020 Margaret River Chardonnay, at the time of writing, has amassed a haul of 10 trophies on the National Wine Show circuit here in Australia, including two (Best Chardonnay and Best White Wine) at arguably the most prestigious of them all, the National Wine Show. I can tell you what it is about the wine that has attracted all the golds... It is a heady combination of powerful, opulent fruit, combined with classy winemaking and natural, juicy acid that curls and winds its way through it all. It is balanced, for all the volume, texture and spice. After having been handpicked, whole-bunch pressed and wild fermented in a combination of new and used French oak (matured for six moths), it is clear that the winemaking did nothing to "trick up" the fruit. It is what it is: a powerful statement about the high quality of Chardonnay in Margaret River. If anything, it looks better today than it did when I judged it a year ago at the Margaret River Show. Remarkable.
97 points
2018 CHERUBINO BUDWORTH CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The fruit for this 2018 Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Block 6 within the Riversdale Vineyard. The wine has never been made before and was done so in honour of the excellent season that was 2018. It was handpicked, sorted and macerated on skins for two months prior to maturation in French oak (first and second use). This is a marvel. It is framed by oak, no question, but the oak is high quality, it is expensive, and it has been matched well to the fruit and the subregion. The Frankland River DNA rises up - there is no barrier that could stop it - and shows us an array of raspberry, blood, satsuma plums, tobacco leaf, red dirt, iodine, ferrous and black tea. The tannins that permeate every part of this wine are ductile, fine and grippy and linger long after the wine has gone. What a wine.
97 points
2020 CHERUBINO PEMBERTON CHARDONNAY
The fruit for the 2020 Pemberton Chardonnay is grown on the Channybearup Vineyard (planted in 1996) and was handpicked, whole-bunch pressed and wild fermented and matured in a combination of new and used oak for six months. The wine is opulent, complex and layered, with a plush undercurrent of creamy crushed nuts, briney acidity and grilled yellow peach. Overlaid over it all is the effortless richness that came on in the 2020 vintage. This is a pleasing combination of classy and comfortable, elegant and pleasurable. How good.
96 points
2018 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON CLONAL SELECTION
The fruit for this 2018 Clonal Selection, Riversdale Vineyard is sourced from the Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River and is a blend of clones 377 and 191 - unusual clones for the mainstream in Western Australia (the SA126 and Houghton clones predominate). The fruit was handpicked, sorted and then matured in seasoned French oak for 12 months. It is very good - dense, concentrated, poised and structured by firm, chalky tannins. Actually, the entire experience is driven by tannin, but they are ripe, wholesome and satisfying, so it's ok. The fruit that swarms around this scaffolding is decidedly red/black and shows vitality, pulse and life. Elegant, wonderful wine. Balanced.
96 points
2020 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ BLOCK 7
This 2020 Block 7 Shiraz Riversdale Vineyard is a heady mix of succulent red fruit and firm supple tannin. It is pliable, chewy and structured, but it is also flashy (not a typo - it is fleshy too), polished and pleasurable. There's a lot of good going on here. It will age, but certainly, drinking it in its youth will afford you my current view of resplendent fruit, ferrous tannins and balance all round. Delicious.
95 points
2020 CHERUBINO DIJON CHARDONNAY
In contrast to the Willows Vineyard (Gingin clone in Wilyabrup), this 2020 Dijon Wychwood Vineyard Chardonnay is constructed from Dijon clones and is from down in Karridale - the cooler, wetter south. As a pair they are like twins - different people with the same DNA. Where the Willows is rich, textural and complex (lest we forget toasty), this is pure, searing and powerful. The beauty of both is that neither is better than the other, merely a completely different set of experiences. This is littered with preserved lemon, pie crust, lemon curd, curry leaf and brine. Awesome.
95 points
2020 CHERUBINO GINGIN CHARDONNAY
I love this 2020 Gingin Willows Vineyard Chardonnay. It is salty, rich, balanced and thrilling, with a core of preserved lemon, yellow peach and red apple skins. Around the edges, curls of saffron, salted caramel and toasted brioche create a framework of spice and intrigue, while the wine, powered by the fruit, sails across the palate. It has gravitas and poise with mouthwatering acidity.
95 points
2020 THE YARD RIVERSDALE SHIRAZ
So here, we have three Cherubino Shiraz bottles from Frankland River, all under The Yard label. Like three siblings, we have one from the Acacia Vineyard, one from the Justin Vineyard and this 2020 The Yard Riversdale Vineyard Shiraz, from the Riversdale Vineyard. They each share common DNA but are distinct in their expressions. Where the Justin is overflowing and a touch frisky at this early stage, the Acacia is relaxed, open weave and pretty; this is the best of both of them and shows polish, power, attractive tannins and beautiful fruit. This is my pick of the bunch. Excellent wine with a bright future.
95 points
2019 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The fruit for this 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Wilyabrup area within Margaret River. The cooler year was responsible for wines of aromatic detail and poise, and this is true of this wine before me. This is elegant and shapely, the presence of French oak is showing to be a well-judged affair. A very smart wine indeed. Drink it whenever you like - quality Margaret River Cabernets such as this have a reputation for aging several decades with ease, however they have the added benefit of being attractive in their youth, too.
95 points
2019 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ
The fruit for this 2019 Shiraz is from Frankland River, in the Great Southern. It is inky, ferrous and spicy, with layers of clove, nutmeg, aniseed and licorice. The fruit is defined by mulberry, blood plum and even blackberries and is decidedly more brooding than any of the 2020s, which show a red-fruited vitality and buoyancy.
95 points
2020 THE YARD ACACIA SHIRAZ
So here, we have three Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz bottlings, under The Yard label. Like three siblings, we have one from the Justin Vineyard, one from the Riversdale Vineyard, and this 2020 The Yard Acacia Vineyard Shiraz from the Acacia Vineyard. They each share common DNA, but are their own iterations. Where the Justin is overflowing and frisky, this is loosely woven, attractive and relaxed already. It shows red fruit and pink peppercorn, the classic Frankland River hallmark of bloody, ferrous tannin and a super attractive juicy quality. Will only get better.
94+ points
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE GRENACHE
The 2021 Laissez Faire Grenache Frankland River is a very good savoury Grenache. While the core of fruit is supple and alive, the tannins that shape it are savoury and coiled. This is tightly sprung and yet spacious inside, with plenty of layers of flavour and texture to peruse while it's in the mouth. Frankland River is a special subregion of the Great Southern and seems to effortlessly imbue the reds grown there with ferrous tannin (thank you ironstone gravels), a bloody aspect to the fruit and bright natural acid. Despite being warm in the days, the continentality of the area brings with it cold nights - which is great for acid retention. This is delicious and hasn't given in to the succulent charm of the abundant red fruit. The tannins keep it honest. Smart.
94 points
2020 CHERUBINO OMAGGIO SHIRAZ MATARO
The fruit for the 2020 Omaggio Shiraz Mataro is from the Riversdale Vineyard, in Frankland River. Awesome. The Shiraz fruit didn't need any tannic grounding from the Mataro, but it got it, and it's all the better for it. The combination of the two varieties brings balance and softness to the wine. It has prodigious tannin, thanks to a combination of the vintage and the region, but it suits the varieties and manages a core of pure fruit at the same time. It settles into a loud kind of harmony. Very attractive.
94 points
2019 CHERUBINO BEAUTIFUL SOUTH RED WINE
The 2019 Beautiful South red is a clonal selection from the Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River and is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. There is a really impressive tannin and fruit interplay in the mouth, framed by smart oak. A classy affair, driven by ripe, chewy tannins.
94 points
2020 THE YARD JUSTIN SHIRAZ
So here, we have three Cherubino Shiraz bottlings, under The Yard label. Like three siblings, we have one from the Acacia Vineyard, one from the Riversdale Vineyard, and this 2020 The Yard Justin Shiraz from the Justin Vineyard. They each share common DNA, but are their own expressions of Shiraz. Potently intense and teetering on the brink of overflowing fruitfulness, the wine is harnessed by savoury tannin and spice. This definitely needs some time to settle down, frisky as it is, right now.
93+ points
2021 CHERUBINO CAVES ROAD CHARDONNAY
The 2021 vintage was cool, and the whites are slow to evolve. This 2021 Caves Road Chardonnay remains inchoate, laced with esters and gentle exotic spice. Very pure and finely lacy with a core of orchard fruit that spools out over the finish. A lovely wine, quiet though.
93 points
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE MENCIA
The 2021 Laissez Faire Mencia is bright, vibrant, juicy and bloody. There is a bit of carbonic or something very plush in here. It is juicy and pleasurable, with an engaging spine of acid and tannin through it. Smart.
93 points
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE RIESLING
Cherubino and his team are excellent riesling makers. In the 2021 Laissez Faire Riesling, they manage piercing intensity with soft textural complexity and a smattering of spice through the finish. There are notes of white flowers, black tea, fleshy citrus, green apple skins, Chinese Five Spice and fennel flower. The phenolics through the finish really shape the wine and bring into focus the pristine fruit and acid. This is a "tannic" Riesling, yet the framework makes it so moreish, and so exciting.
93 points
2019 PEDESTAL ‘ELEVATION’ CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The 2019 Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon has a long reputation for aging beyond its price point would normally indicate, and it is routinely a good example of Margaret River Cabernet. So, to the wine: on the nose, the high quality French, biscuity oak frames the dark berry fruit. There's plenty of line and length through the palate that aligns with the assumption that this is a good quality/value wine, and the length of flavour shows promise. Lovely wine!
92 points
2021 CHERUBINO SAUVIGNON GRIS
The 2021 Sauvignon Gris is made with fruit from the Channybearup Vineyard in Pemberton, and it was handpicked, gently pressed to two and three-year-old oak for fermentation and maturation. There is very little Sauvignon Gris planted in Western Australia - this and Voyager are the only two vineyards I am aware of. This is concentrated and plush from the barrel ferment and has a core of very pure apple fruit that sits on the back palate. Interestingly, it speaks to me very clearly of the Western Australian oaked-white style, while the characteristics of Sauvignon Gris are less clear. A statuesque wine. Spooling length and fine acid. Smart.
91 points
2020 PEDESTAL ‘ELEVATION’ CHARDONNAY
2020 was a cracking vintage for Chardonnay in Margaret River; the warmer conditions played right into the hands of the Gingin clone Chardonnay, and even more so if the producers got the grapes off in time. This 2020 Elevation Chardonnay shows aromas of saffron/turmeric, red apple skins, yellow peach and brine, backed by wisps of sandalwood, fennel and curry leaf. In the mouth, the wine is exactly as the nose promised - rounded, plush, spicy and a little bit exotic. All things in balance - very impressive. Drink this richer style of Chardonnay in the next five or so years. More if you like opulence.
91 points
2020 CHERUBINO BIANCO
The 2020 Bianco is a blend of Arneis and Riesling rom the Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River. On the nose, it shows all of the crushed quartz/mineral characters and citrus pith that we look for in Arneis, while the Riesling frames the wine in delicate florals and apples. In the mouth, the wine is curiously austere and plump... It has the acid backbone of Riesling, with the cushioning of Arneis. I'm not sure if the two components are completely meshing at this point, but there is not doubt the wine is engaging.
90 points
2022 West Australian Wine Guide
December 2021
2020 CHERUBINO PEMBERTON SAUVIGNON BLANC
Cherubino sources this from a mature Pemberton vineyard which produces excellent savvy, especially in years like this. Gorgeous scented notes of lemony oak and a gooseberry, passionfruit combination. It’s had about four months in oak, which contributes to the aromas and adds so much interest to the palate. The weighting of the oak is perfect. A crisp, minerally acidity completes an excellent example of this fume style.
94/100
2020 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
The fruit comes from Wilyabrup and the cooler Karridale to the south. Lightly toasty with savoury, minerally citrus notes on the nose. There’s a faint hint of struck match adding to the aromatic complexity. Has a linear, precise mouthfeel with the savoury characters emerging. Deeply intense with the potential to develop further. Excellent wine.
96/100
2018 CHERUBINO BEAUTFIL SOUTH RED WINE
Gosh, this is a good red wine. It comes from the Riversdale vineyard in Frankland, with a range of different clones of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec. It’s already so rich and concentrated with so much crammed into its frame of chalky tannins and fine grained oak. Dark fruits and chocolate with a slightly leafy overlay on the nose. The palate is a powerhouse of structure and poise. It will handle extended cellaring but around 10 years would be spot on.
95/100
2018 CHERUBINO SHIRAZ MALBEC
It’s an interesting combination and it works so wonderfully well. This comes from the Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River. Cherubino has made this to highlight the seductive and beautiful fruit characters, with maturation only in one and two-year-old oak. Dark fruits with a mix of plum and blackcurrant lifted with a little rose petal aromatic. Has a brilliant energy and vibrancy.
94/100
2019 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ
Okay, for the clone geeks, I’ll highlight clones 174, 470 and Waldron, which Cherubino has been championing in the Riversdale Vineyard. And they have quite an impact. It’s wine of great intensity and fruit concentration, yet there is an effortless poise and refinement that makes it so appealing. Chalky tannins and deep, plummy mulberry fruit merge seamlessly. It’s a wine of structure and character with tremendous ageing potential.
97/100
2018 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON CLONAL
This is cabernet and it has not seen new oak. You might be surprised, yet when you taste it you’ll realise it doesn't need it. Cherubino has used different clones, which after hand picking were matured in one and two-year-old oak for 12 months. It shows the beautiful elegance and charm of Frankland cabernet with that chalky black fruit thing working with a subtle leafiness. Finishes with such poise and elegance.
95/100
Top 100 Reds - The West Australian
21st July 2022
Ray Jordan has released his Top 100 red wines for the year. The best wine overall is the 2020 Cherubino Shiraz Mataro, a drop sourced from our Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River. It reveals how these two varieties can work in harmony to produce a distinctive, richly textured and flavoured wine with that touch of finesse that makes them excellent drinking.
Our range of wines featured strongly in other categories and makes Cherubino the stand-out performer in the list. The wines are submitted in four separate price categories - under $15, $15 - $20, $25 to $25 and $25 to $40.
WINNER - BEST WINE
2020 CHERUBINO OMAGGIO SHIRAZ MATARO
It was quite some shootout for the honour of the best wine of the tasting. The Cherubino shiraz mataro comes from Cherubino’s vineyard at Frankland River. The fruit qualities are preserved by using only one and two-year-old oak for maturation. The palate is highly perfumed and displays impressive fruit with that regional ironstone influence. This is positive sign that Frankland River as a region is heading towards superstardom that in the end might just match that of that other superstar, Margaret River.
96/100
$15 & Under
2019 FOLKLORE CLASSIC RED (Cabernet Merlot)
Larry Cherubino doesn't make dud wines so when you get one of his at this pricepoint you just know its going to deliver. The combination of fruity blackberry and the edginess of the bay leaf combining with the fine silky tannins and subtle oak is balanced and complete. In fact, it had eight months in French which makes a significant contribution to its polish and feel.
92/100
$20 - $25
2019 AD HOC MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE SHIRAZ
Everything about this Great Southern shiraz screams polish and class. It’s generous and supremely balanced with fine chalky tannins, dark fruit, ironstone and a very long finish. A complete wine.
93/100
$25 - $40
2020 THE YARD RIVERSDALE SHIRAZ
The shiraz off this and other Frankland River vineyards is extraordinary, and this is the perfect example. I love the fruit weight and texture with those fine firm chalky tannins. A trace of ironstone complexity.
95/100
2020 CHERUBINO OMAGGIO SHIRAZ MATARO
This extraordinary and beautiful wine comes from Cherubino’s Riversdale vineyard at Frankland River. The aim is to preserve the fruit qualities and therefore only one and two-year-old oak is used for maturation. Highly perfumed with a palate that displays excellent fruit with that regional ironstone influence.
96/100
2021 LAISSEZ FAIRE IV BLEND
This is an interesting blend of counoise, mataro, shiraz and grenache from Frankland River. Very little was added during the winemaking so it’s vegan-friendly and wasn't filtered. Medium-bodied with lifted scents of red fruit on the nose. The palate has a dried herb influence on the bright red fruit flavours.
92/100
2022 Sydney Royal Wine Show Awards
4th August 2022
We are very excited to receive this award at the recent Sydney Royal Wine Show. It’s always great for a single vineyard wine to get awarded as it makes all the hard work that goes into that site so worth it. In this case it’s the Wychwood vineyard in Karridale and it’s Dijon clone Chardonnay.
Gold Medal & Trophy
2020 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
Gold Medal
2020 Cherubino Shiraz Mataro
Silver medal
2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2021 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Gingin Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Shiraz Malbec
2020 Pedestal Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Uovo Cabernet Touriga
bronze medal
2021 Uovo Riesling
2021 Cherubino Sauvignon Gris
2021 Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir
2020 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Clonal Selections
2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Pedestal Elevation Red Wine
2021 Laissez Faire Mencia
2021 Laissez Faire IV Blend
2021 Margaret River Wine Show
Friday 29th November
The results of the 2021 Margaret River Wine Show have been announced where once again the 2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay won multiple trophies!
Along with the 3 trophies we received 3 x Gold medals, 7 x Silver medals & 5 x Bronze medals. Another extremely successful wine show for Cherubino.
Here is the full list of winning wines for this year:
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay- 3 x TROPHIES
Best Chardonnay
White Wine of the Show
Wine of the Show
GOLD MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - TOP GOLD
2020 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2020 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
SILVER MEDAL
2019 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Caves Road Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
2019 Pedestal Elevation Red Wine
2020 Pedestal Tempranillo Grenache
BRONZE MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Laissez Faire Cabernet Franc
2019 Pedestal Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Pedestal Shiraz
2021 Pedestal Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Wine Show of Western Australia - 4 x Trophy Winner!!
15th October 2021
The winners for the 2021 Wine Show of WA have been announced and we were extremely successful once again. Not only did we receive the Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor of the Show but our 2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay won 3 x Trophies!
Along with our 4 x Trophy wins we also received 5 x Gold's, 20 x Silver & 25 x Bronze. 50 of our 60 entries received a medal!
Here is a full list of our successful wines:
Most Successful Exhibitor Overall - TROPHY
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - 3 x TROPHIES
Best Wine of the Show
Best White Wine of the Show
Best Chardonnay
GOLD MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2020 Laissez Faire Riesling
2021 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2020 Pedestal Shiraz
SILVER MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Clonal Selection
2020 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2021 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2021 Uovo Grenache
2020 Laissez Faire Arneis
2019 Laissez Faire IV Blend
2019 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir
2020 Laissez Faire Porongurup Pinot Noir
2021 Laissez Faire Riesling
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Gewurztraminer
2018 The Yard Cane Cut Semillon
2018 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2019 Apostrophe Red Blend
2021 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
BRONZE MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Wine
2019 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Wine
2020 Cherubino Bianco
2020 Cherubino Caves Road Chardonnay
2021 Cherubino Grenache Rose
2019 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc
2020 Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2015 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Uovo Cabernet Nebbiolo
2018 Uovo Grenache
2020 Uovo Riesling
2020 Laissez Faire Chardonnay
2021 Laissez Faire Field Blend
2020 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir
2019 Laissez Faire Porongurup Pinot Noir
2019 The Yard Riversdale Fiano
2019 Pedestal ‘Elevation’ Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Pedestal ‘Elevation’ Chardonnay
2019 Pedestal ‘Elevation’ Red Wine
2020 Pedestal Chardonnay
2019 Pedestal Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Pedestal Sauvignon Blanc
2021 Royal Adelaide Wine Show
8th October 2021
The results for the 2021 Royal Adelaide Wine Show were announced on Friday our 2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay walked away with 2 x Trophies along with a Gold Medal! Our 2020 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay also won a Gold Medal.
Five other wine's won a Silver and fourteen won a Bronze. The full medal winners are listed below:
GOLD MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - 2 x Trophies - Best Chardonnay & Best White of the Show
2020 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
SILVER MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
2019 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Blend
2019 Pedestal Elevation Red Wine
2021 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
BRONZE MEDAL
2020 Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Blend
2020 Uovo Riesling
2020 Laissez Faire Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Malbec
2021 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2019 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2019 Pedestal Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Pedestal Elevation Chardonnay
2020 Pedestal Shiraz
2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2021 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
2019 Apostrophe Possessive Reds’
2021 Perth Royal Wine Show - 2 x Trophy Winner!
3rd September 2021
The Perth Royal Wine Show Awards were announced today we have once again been successful across multiple categories including winning 2 x Trophies!!
Our trophy wins are as follows:
Most Successful WA Exhibitor - TROPHY
2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling - TROPHY, Best Riesling
Along with these 2 Trophies the following wines won Gold Medals:
2020 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon Clonal Selection
2020 Laissez Faire Riesling
2020 Pedestal Shiraz
2021 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
We also won a further 8 x Silver medals & 15 x Bronze medals.
2022 Halliday Wine Companion
13th August 2021
Last night the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion Awards were announced where once again Cherubino received some great ratings.
In the major Best of the Best categories we had six wines featured - 2 x Cabernet's, 2 x Chardonnay's, a Riesling and a Rose.
19 out of the 32 wines reviewed received 94 points or above!
Best of the Best:
2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon - 98/100
Great colour, deep but vivid crimson/purple. Cedary French oak and blackcurrant fruit are joined at the hip by superb tannins that reflect the day-by-day assessment of the must during the latter weeks of maceration. The mouth-watering savoury aftertaste is the coup de grace for this great cabernet.
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon - 97/100
An iridescent ruby in the glass. Saturated in flavour and packed with fine, chalky tannins that provide substance and structure for the sweet fruit. There is so much going on here that 2nd and 3rd sips are needed. The tannins and the fruit are generous, chewy and expansive. This bottle could evaporate in a moment. A ruminating wine and a showpiece for Frankland River pedigree.
2019 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay - 97/100
Fermented and matured for 10 months in new and 1yo French oak. The elegance and detail of the perfectly balanced mix of white peach, pink grapefruit and quality oak reflects the marriage of the Dijon clones and quality oak. The length and balance are immaculate.
2019 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - 97/100
Rich and layered on the nose, with crushed nuts, salted peach and preserved lemon. Marzipan, nougat, nashi pear, brine and loads of creamy softness on the palate, no doubt thanks to partial mlf. Delicious. 'Oh yum' was muttered aloud while tasting this, not a common occurrence. Length of flavour shows this will continue to evolve gracefully for years.
2020 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling - 96/100
Equal thirds Frankland River, Porongurup and Mount Barker fruit. Piercing intensity on the palate which spears the tongue with acid, citrus fruit and blossom. It then glides over the rest of the mouth leaving bursts of flavour in its wake. Stopping short of fearsome (only just) this has latent power and structure to spare. It will evolve for decades in your cellar.
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Rose - 95/100
Grenache's salivating boiled lolly character wafts out of the glass. Generous, expansive fruit on the palate, yet it retains poise and restraint as it glides over the tongue. Good length of flavour means it finishes as it started, with elegance and supple fruit ... all in the pursuit of pleasure. After all – isn't that why we drink rosé?
The full list of 32 wines rated are as follows:
2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon - 98 points
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon Clonal Selection - 97 points
2019 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay - 97 points
2019 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - 97 points
2020 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling - 96 points
2020 Cherubino Margaret River Rose - 95 points
2019 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz - 96 points
2020 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling - 95 points
2019 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay - 95 points
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Pinot Noir - 94 points
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon - 94 points
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South Red wine - 92 points
2018 Cherubino Shiraz Malbec - 92 points
2018 Uovo Cabernet Nebbiolo - 92 points
2020 Laissez Faire Riesling - 95 points
2019 Laissez Faire Syrah - 95 points
2019 Laissez Faire IV Blend - 95 points
2019 Laissez Faire Porongurup Pinot Noir - 94 points
2019 Laissez Faire Chardonnay - 92 points
2019 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir - 92points
2019 Laissez Faire Arneis - 90 points
2020 The Yard Riversdale Riesling - 95 points
2020 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc - 92 points
2018 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon - 90 points
2018 Pedestal Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points
2018 Pedestal Elevation Cabernet Blend - 95 points
2020 Pedestal Sauvignon Blanc - 92 points
2020 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - 92 points
2018 Ad Hoc Avant Gardening Cabernet Malbec - 95 points
2020 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling - 90 points
2019 Apostrophe Possessive Reds' - 91 points
2020 Folklore Classic White - 91 points
James Halliday Ten Great Reds
July 2021
2018 CHERUBINO BUDWORTH CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"Great colour, deep but vivid crimson.purple. Cedary French oak and blackcurrant fruit are joined at the hip by superb tannins that reflect the day-by-day assessement of the must during the latter weeks of maceration. The mouthwatering savoury aftertaste is the coup de grace for this great Cabernet."
James Halliday
Gourmet Traveller - Best places to drink wine
August 2021
GO FOR: WHATEVER VENUE MANAGER AND SOMMELIER WILL ROSER HAS OPEN FOR YOU TO TRY
"City Cellar opened at the end of 2020 – a year that demanded extra hope and patience. It operates both as a cellar door for Larry Cherubino wines and a wine bar (a very limited number of back vintages and rare museum releases are available in the bar or for takeaway). The wine list houses a focused and deeply exciting Italian selection, which – as substantiated rumour has it – was started with Larry’s personal cellar, but has since expanded to an even bigger, super impressive collection. Like all good neighbourhood bars, there’s always something open that isn’t on the by-the-glass list."
Erin Larkin
169-171 Rokeby Road
Subiaco WA 6008
Entry via Xanthis Lane
2021 Halliday Wine Companion Results
5th August 2020
James Halliday has released his scores for the 2021 Wine Companion. We have 22 wines that have received 95 points and above!
Here is a list of these wines and their reviews:
2019 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling - 97 points
All the tightness, precision and intensity of the palate have been prophesied by the bouquet and reinforced by the aftertaste. Meyer lemon, lime and Granny Smith apple are welded together by the core of acidity that will underwrite the longevity of the wine.
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling - 96 points
There’s a laser precision to riesling from Porongurup as this attests. A touch of lavender to the citrus blossom, grapefruit alongside Meyer lemon and mouth-watering chalky acidity. Long, pure and classy.
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - 96 points
Impressive from the start, offering the best regional flavours. Stone fruit, grapefruit, creamy honeycomb, ginger spice and flint; oak neatly in place yet playing a part. Complex, powerful and utterly delicious.
2018 Cherubino Gingin Chardonnay - 96 points
A real energy and drive here with a more linear, taut structure compared with its Dijon/Karridale sibling. Mouth-watering flavours of pink grapefruit, lemon with struck-match, flinty sulphides. Laser precision across the palate but there’s give, it’s not lean and mean. It has power and drive with refreshing acidity to the very end.
2017 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points
It starts out allserious and broody offering a hint of the savouriness with licorice, meat stock and wormwood. It’s full-bodied with densely packed tannins and yet, it doesn’t feel weighty. It unfurls with aplomb and while it’s a pleasure to drink now, time will be its benefactor.
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling - 95 points
A real thirst quencher thanks to itslemon sorbet acidity, saline crunch and zippy palate. It’s all about citrus flavours and is lip-smackingly good.
2017 Uovo Riesling - 95 points
The Uovo range has been a revelation despite the absence of any detail about it. Still, no better example than this riesling that has a beautiful acid line with layers of flavour and texture. Lemon and ginger curd, fresh citrus and plenty of juiciness across the palate with a dash of sweetness softening the finish.
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South White Wine - 95 points
From the best blocks of sauvignon blanc from a selection of Great Southern vineyards. It was wild- fermented and matured in French oak for 6 months. It can be cellared for at least a decade. It’s a powerful wine, acidity providing all the structure required for this to prove true.
2018 Ad Hoc Hen & Chicken Chardonnay - 95 points
The name refers to the Gingin clone that produces radically different sized berries on each bunch.
The result is a wine with great concentration and depth that will leave all other chardonnays at this price gasping for breath – there is a full panoply of chardonnay fruit flavours from melon to vanilla and white peach.
Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay 2018 - 95 points
Dijon, as in clones 95 and 96 grown in Karridale. A mighty fine result. Moreish, savoury with grapefruit, pomelo, ginger spice and sweet oak influence. Fuller bodied, creamy across thepalate and yet reined in by refreshing, lithe acidity.
2018 Laissez Faire Chardonnay - 95 points
No shortage of flavour with grapefruit, stone fruit and oak spices. A juiciness across the palate with fresh acidity plus creamy leesy influence, but not too much. This only spent 6 months in new and used French oak but it feels more substantial. Very good drinking now.
2017 Uovo Chardonnay - 95 points
Frustrating not having moreinformation. Regardless, this is a gem. Tight, linear with a fine acid line yet layers of flavour and a real depth. Stone fruit, lemon with ginger cream, fabulous texture, almost chalky.
2019 Laissez Faire Fiano - 95 points
Fiano can handle oak, but not too much.The back label states whole-bunch pressed and partial-barrel fermentation. It has more phenolic grip as a result. It’s textural and honeyed on the palate. Lemon blossom, fresh herbs with lots of ginger and spices on the nose.
2018 Laissez Faire Vermentino 2018 - 95 points
It has a depth of flavour often missing with Australian renditions. Sure it has the lemon saline allure, the camomile and blossom, but it’s the palate that stands out – textural, some phenolics adding a comment.
2018 Laissez Faire Field Blend 2018 - 95 points
Gewurztraminer, pinot grigio, riesling and pinot blanc form the quartet. No information other than the back label claiming hand-harvested and natural fermentation. It tastes as if there’s been some skin contact, heady aromatics spicy and citrussy with the palate in tow. Well handled phenolics and a savoury, moreish finish. Love it.
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah - 95 points
Estate-grown (Riversdale Vineyard); hand-picked and sorted, matured for 10 months in French oak. This is high quality shiraz fruit handled with attention to detail. It is fragrant and juicy, long and very well balanced. Texture and structure in a medium-bodied guise, and a cornucopia of black fruits.
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz - 95 points
It has regional appeal aplenty – black–blue fruits, squid ink and black pepper; on first pour, somewhat hammered by lots of varnishy-sweet-charry oak. Yet all that fades with air, to reveal a vibrancy and plushness. Ripe, dense tannins and appealing in the end.
2018 Uovo Grenache - 95 points
This is the essence of grenache. Heady aromatics of florals, red fruits, musk and a touch of cherry cola, but it’s the palate that makes this special. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and, while the fruit is delicious, the enjoyment is in its savouriness. Grenache in Frankland River is proving to be something special.
2017 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon - 95 points
The substantial Riversdale Vineyard was originally planted in the mid-’90s, so the vines are relatively young. One can only imagine how good it will be in another 10 years. Not that this wine needs any excuses, it’s classic cabernet with blackcurrant, black olive and bay leaf aromas/flavours supported by firm tannins that are the markers of prime quality cabernet sauvignon.
2017 Cherubino Rivers End Cabernet Sauvignon - 95 points
Percentage unknown but a blend of fruit is from Frankland River and Margaret River, the latter taking the lead: mulberry, earth, lead pencil and warm spices. Lots to take away and enjoy with its soft, shapely tannins and freshness throughout. It’s in the zone.
2017 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon - 95 point
Fruit sourced from Wilyabrup sites so it is full of cassis, mulberries, licorice and violets. A lovely start .A vibrancy throughout with finely chiselled tannins and bright acidity working across the medium-bodied palate. Approachable now and will reward the patient.
2017 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Wine 2017 - 95 points
A blend of cabernet sauvignon and malbec from the Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River. Shot with savouryflavours of licorice, warm earth and wood spices. There’s a flutter of leafy freshness, cassis with captivating tannins.
Cherubino Frankland River 'Budworth' Cabernet Sauvignon - 99 points!
April 2020
Nick Stock the Executive Editor of www.jamessuckling.com was recently in the Margaret River region and wrote “The 2018 vintage is one to celebrate and collect as wines come out on the market”.
He reviewed a multitude of wines from the region with 16 of our wines reviewed and rated. The 2018 Cherubino Frankland River ‘Budworth’ Cabernet Sauvignon received an amazing 99 points!
Below is a full list of the wines reviewed and their rating.
2018 Cherubino Frankland River ‘Budworth’ Cabernet Sauvignon - 99 points
Such impressive red plums and mulberries are delivered in bright, pure style here with dark, violet florals. Then there’s a wealth of savory notes, such as cedar, gun flint and cloves. It is so complex already. The palate delivers a very convincing array of purple-berry and plum flavors that completely coat the mouth. So harmonious, the resolve, depth and purity this wields is so impressive. Long and pure dark-berry flavors abound. Like a great young Cos d’Estournel! Drink or cellar for 15 plus years.
2019 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - 97 points
Such a complex chardonnay with lime-peel, yellow-grapefruit and grilled-lemon aromas, as well as nectarines and white peaches. Grilled hazelnuts, too. The palate has a super fleshy and bold feel with a very intense, very long and juicy core of rich, stone-fruit flavors. Grilled-hazelnut finish. Drink or hold.
2019 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay - 97 points
This has very impressive, flinty and fresh yellow grapefruit with white peaches and wet stones. The complexity is beautifully judged. The palate has such riveting freshness and concentration. The pithy peach and grapefruit flavors are so, so intense here. Long, fresh and deep. This is spectacular. Drink or hold.
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points
Super deep, rich aromas of raspberries, dark cherries, blackcurrants and plums here with attractive cedary oak also in the mix. The palate delivers such depth and effortlessly rich, smooth dark-berry flavors fill the mouth, amid velvety, ribbon-like tannins. Silky and beautifully resolved. Drink or hold.
2018 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay - 95 points
There’s density here with bold peaches and apricots, as well as dried peach and savory notes of biscuit, toasted almond and praline. The palate is very juicy, very rich and dense. This clone delivers such intensity. Good potential for this wine to age. Big flavors. Drink or hold.
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling - 95 points
This has a beautifully crisp and dry feel with a wealth of very vivid notes of lemons, wet stones and hints of herbs and green apples. The palate has such freshness and verve and really strikes the finish cleanly. So long, dry and pure. Drink or hold.
2019 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling - 94 points
This has attractive mineral-salt perfume, together with dried stone fruit, limes and lemons. Flinty notes, too. The palate is fresh, lively and pithy with salty appeal and a succulent, juicy draw of intense lime flavor. Drink or hold.
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South Red - 94 points
Rich aromas of blueberries, currants, mint and wild herbs here with a very sleek, plush and juicy palate that trades on polished tannins, which carve a smooth, long shape. Fresh, spiced blueberry and plum flavors hold long. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec. Drink or hold.
2019 Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc - 94 points
Cherubino manages to get the absolute most from his sauvignon blanc. Intense green mangoes, peaches and limes are lightly glazed with some careful oak fermentation. The palate is beautifully fresh and layered with intense, lemon and grapefruit flavors. Long and satisfying. Drink or hold.
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz - 94 points
This has sultry, wet-stone aromas with fresh red flowers and spiced red plums on offer. Super fresh. The palate has a plush, succulent and juicy feel with a vibrant, spicy delivery of red-plum flavors and smoothly layered tannins. Fresh and alluring. Drink or hold.
2018 Uovo Grenache - 93 points
A sultry nose with terra-cotta, gunflint and bright red-fruit aromas on offer, as well as some mountain herbs in the background. The palate has a very smooth, juicy core of raspberries with a sleek delivery of fine, granular tannin. Savory, yet fruit-focused style here. Drink now.
2018 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 points
An accessible yet impressive take on Frankland River cabernet with aromas of rose and red cherries. The medium-bodied, very plush and juicy palate carries delightfully fresh, charming red-plum and berry flavors. Drink now.
2018 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay - 92 points
Attractive, toasty praline and lemon-butter aromas here. The palate has a smooth, fleshy core of nectarines and white peaches and some buttery notes to close. Drink now.
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling - 92 points
The most approachable of the Cherubino rieslings with a softer stance and a style that melds the intense citrus into pears and apples. Drink now.
2019 Laissez Faire Chardonnay - 91 points
This has a fresh array of peaches and pears with a smooth, dry palate that delivers attractive, savory-pastry flavors. Drink now.
2019 Laissez Faire Mencia - 91 points
A complex nose with spices, fresh earth, fresh leather and brambly, redder-fruit aromas on offer. The palate has a sleek, fine-boned feel with an elegant, crisp, slate, berry and rose finish. Drink now.
2021 West Australian Wine Guide
December 2020
This comes off the famous Riversdale vineyard in Frankland River. It is a wine of extraordinary elegance and style, while packing a powerhouse engine room through the palate. Fragrant black fruit characters with a distinct cedary lift from the new and one-year-old oak. The chalky tannins add substantial support. Very long and brilliant structured wine that shows how good cabernet can be from this region.
98/100 - Runner up
Gorgeous, just gorgeous. Wonderful example of Frankland River shiraz made in a style which is becoming the classic style of the region. More restraint and subtle expression. Perfumed notes of plum and blackberry with a subtle blueberry infusion. The palate is more in the medium-bodied zone and is so balanced. A wine of great elegance and charm.
97/100 - Runner up
A super concentrated and powerful cabernet from Margaret River. It is such a striking wine with bay leaf, blackcurrant and a trace of edgy black olive adding further complexity. Tannins have been expertly managed and the new and one-year-old oak applied to ensure long-term ageing. Typical of the vintage with energy and life in the palate.
97/100
This is powerhouse chardonnay from fruit sourced in the south of the region at Karridale. Fragrances of butterscotch and brioche with a subtle roasted almond influence. The palate is so rich and layered with lavish, deep flavour concentration powering through to a sustained lingering finish.
96/100
Beautifully precise and keenly focused riesling from Porongurup - a region that is so well suited to riesling. Has a minerally and spicy fragrance. The palate is deeply intense but delivers with a subtle delicacy. Slight bath salts lift through to the finish.
94/100
Cherubino gets his fruit from his Pemberton vineyard. It’s a region well suited to this variety and this one works well. It’s made into the traditional fume style with oak fermentation and maturation. The oak is certainly noticeable, but it never overwhelms and sits harmoniously within the wine as an important part of further ageing in the bottle.
92/100
James Suckling Top 100 Australian Wines of 2020
4th December 2020
James Suckling & his team have tasted and rated more than 3,500 Australian wines this year. Of those 3,500 wines we have had 2 of ours make their Top 100 Australian Wines of 2020!
2018 cherubino budworth cabernet sauvignon
Such impressive red plums and mulberries are delivered in bright, pure style here with dark, violet florals. Then there’s a wealth of savory notes, such as cedar, gun flint and cloves. It is so complex already. The palate delivers a very convincing array of purple-berry and plum flavors that completely coat the mouth. So harmonious, the resolve, depth and purity this wields is so impressive. Long and pure dark-berry flavors abound. Like a great young Cos d’Estournel! Drink or cellar for 15 plus years.
99 points
2019 cherubino dijon chardonnay
This has very impressive, flinty and fresh yellow grapefruit with white peaches and wet stones. The complexity is beautifully judged. The palate has such riveting freshness and concentration. The pithy peach and grapefruit flavors are so, so intense here. Long, fresh and deep. This is spectacular. Drink or hold.
97 points
2020 Halliday Wine Companion Results
8 July 2019
The 2020 Halliday Wine Companion has just been released and we have been very successful once again. We have 30 wines included in this year’s publication with 17 being rated a Gold Medal (95-99 points) and the other 13 being a Silver Medal (90-94 points).
The reviews and ratings are as follows:
2016 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
From the estate Riversdale Vineyard, hand-picked and sorted, fermented and macerated on skins for 2 months before maturation in new and 1yo French barrels. Fuller-bodied than any prior Cherubino cabernet I can remember, but carries its weight with grace approaching nonchalance. The bouquet and palate are equally deep in their expression of varietal character. The quality of the persistent, yet unexpectedly soft, tannins is a high point, and doesn't leave anything getting in the way of the finish and aftertaste.
98 POINTS
2017 CHERUBINO FRANKLAND RIVER SHIRAZ
Made from four clones, hand-picked from Larry Cherubino's Riversdale Vineyard. After sorting, the wine spent 6 weeks on skins in the ferments, matured in new and 1yo French barrels. It is very complex, ribbons of oak stretched through spicy aniseed black fruits and fine tannins of a palate that continuously throws down challenges to you. Should be spectacular in 10 years' time.
97 POINTS
2016 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
From several vineyards in Wilyabrup, hand-picked and sorted, fermented and macerated for 6 weeks, matured in new and 1yo French oak for 12 months. The complexity starts with the fragrant bouquet and continues on the supple palate with totally beguiling and intense, yet light-footed, red berries and fruits.
97 POINTS
2018 THE YARD RIVERSDALE RIESLING
Hand-picked from the Riversdale Vineyard, its floral bouquet has wafts of spice, talc and apple blossom, the palate, with all encompassing drive and intensity as citrus and minerally acidity compete for dominance. Neither wins, an honourable draw the outcome.
96 POINTS
2017 CHERUBINO MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY
This is from the cool Karridale district of southern Margaret River, and vinified in the same fashion as its siblings. It is as fresh as a daisy, bursting with energy, yet retaining focus and poise. Despite the expansive use of new/near new oak, the finesse and intensity of the fruit is more than a match.
96 POINTS
2018 CHERUBINO GREAT SOUTHERN RIESLING
Forged from equal shares of grapes grown in the Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup. While boasting layers of citrus-based fruits, it has a delicious silver line of acidity giving it vibrant flavours now, and more to come over the next 10 or so years.
95 POINTS
2018 AD HOC WALLFLOWER RIESLING
Wallflower indeed. The bouquet is full of high-pitched citrus and wild flower aromas, the palate beating a tattoo of drums with its intensity and insistent length. The name suggests it's a shy and unassuming wine, and I totally disagree with that. The value offered needs no comment.
95 POINTS
2011 CHERUBINO PORONGURUP RIESLING
Mid straw-green, bright for its age. It sets the scene for a Peter Pan wine, leaving you to wonder when it will ever reach full maturity. But that's looking a gift horse in the mouth. As it is, it combines a crisp mouthfeel, and evenly balanced citrus/apple fruit, retaining the delicacy it had in its youth.
95 POINTS
2018 CHERUBINO PEMBERTON SAUVIGNON BLANC
From the estate Channybearup Vineyard, wild-fermented, matured in French barrels for 4 months. The oak is evident on the bouquet, but it's the texture, structure and flavour of the palate that really benefits. The complexity comes from a gently smoky overlay to the fruit flavours, the mouthfeel softened and expanded.
95 POINTS
2018 THE YARD CHANNYBEARUP SAUVIGNON BLANC
This has exceptional varietal flavour, both complex and long; it's not obvious, but the wine was partially fermented in French oak, which hasn't diminished the fruit expression, but has subtly increased the complexity. Appropriate terroir, high quality grapes and good winemaking at work.
95 POINTS
2017 CHERUBINO DIJON CHARDONNAY
A blend of clones 95 and 96, hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, fermented and matured in new and 1yo French barriques for 6 months. It has the delicate touch that Cherubino uses with all his white wines. This is a baby, with fresh citrus and stone fruits to the fore, and will steadily develop in bottle through to '24 and beyond. Cool Karridale is an ideal site for the French clones.
95 POINTS
2017 CHERUBINO GINGIN CHARDONNAY
Identical vinification to its Karridale sibling, only clones (and terroir) separating them. This has more depth and richness, strictly the outcome of using this clone, the two wines making a classic wine masterclass, the other variable. The warmer climate of Wilyabrup compared to Karridale.
95 POINTS
2017 AD HOC MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE SHIRAZ
A plume of exotic spices is threaded through the fragrant bouquet of plum and blackberry fruit, and the vibrant palate follows the lead with enthusiastic support. The texture and structure of the mouthfeel add a further dimension to a very, very smart wine. A knockout at this price.
95 POINTS
2017 PEDESTAL CABERNET MERLOT
From vineyards in the highly esteemed Wilyabrup district, matured in French oak for 12 months. The bouquet opens with dried bay leaf and foresty aromas, the palate picking up pace with similar flavours given extra drive by ripe gravelly tannins.
95 POINTS
2017 THE YARD RIVERSDALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The substantial Riversdale Vineyard was planted as recently as '97, so the vines are relatively young. One can only imagine how good it will be in another 10 years. Not that this wine needs any excuses, it's classic cabernet, with blackcurrant, black olive and bay leaf aromas/flavours supported by firm tannins that are the markers of prime quality cabernet sauvignon.
95 POINTS
2016 CHERUBINO BEAUTIFUL SOUTH RED WINE
Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec grown on the estate Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River. From the opening bell of the bouquet, French oak makes a statement, coupled with rich blackcurrant fruit and dusty cabernet tannins. Bred to stay.
95 POINTS
2016 PEDESTAL ELEVATION
88% cabernet sauvignon, 12% malbec, planted in '98 at the highest point of the Wilyabrup Valley, hand-picked from specific rows, the parcels berry-sorted, matured in French oak for 12 months and held in bottle for a further 12 months before release. There's a lot of wine here, and further time (2-3 years) will be repaid with interest.
95 POINTS
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling - 94 points
2017 Laissez Faire Chardonnay - 94 points
2018 Ad Hoc PIP Rose - 94 points
2017 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz - 94 points
2018 Laissez Faire Riesling - 93 points
2018 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - 93 points
2016 Cherubino Rivers End Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points
2018 Apostrophe Stones Throw White - 92 points
2017 Laissez Faire Syrah - 92 points
2018 Ad Hoc Strawman Sauvignon Blanc Semillon - 91 points
2018 Laissez Faire Fiano - 91 points
2018 Laissez Faire Pinot Blanc - 91 points
2017 The Yard Acacia Shiraz - 91 points
Wine Show of Western Australia
November 2020
At the 2020 Wine Show of Western Australia we won 5 x Trophies, 5 x Gold Medals, 12 x Silver Medals and 17 x Bronze Medals. Below are the details of our Trophy wins and Gold Medals:
Best Riesling
Best Aged Riesling
Best Great Southern White
Best Pinot Noir
Best Great Southern Red
GOLD MEDAL
2017 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir
2018 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2018 Cherubino Shiraz Malbec
2019 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
SILVER MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Wine
2018 Cherubino Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon Clonal Selection
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire ‘IV’ Grenache Syrah Mataro Counoise
2019 Laissez Faire Porongurup Pinot Noir
2020 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2020 Pedestal Sauvignon Blanc
2019 Pedestal Chardonnay
2019 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2020 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
BRONZE MEDAL
2019 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2020 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Fiano
2019 Laissez Faire Arneis
2020 Laissez Faire Riesling
2020 Laissez Faire Pinot Blanc
2018 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Pedestal Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Pedestal Elevation
2018 Ad Hoc Avant Gardening Cabernet Malbec
2019 Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir
2018 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2019 Apostrophe Possessive Reds’
2019 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
Matthew Jukes - 100 Best Australian Wines
28 May 2019
The Sixteenth Edition of Matthew Jukes' 100 Best Australian Wines Report represents the finest one hundred Australian wines available on the shelves in the UK for the coming twelve months.
It is designed as a balanced, modern collection of all styles of wine, including sparklers, whites, reds, sweet and fortified wines.
We are lucky enough to have four wines included in this edition. These wines are:
2018 Laissez Faire Riesling
2017 Laissez Faire Syrah
2017 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2017 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2020 Halliday Top 100
November 2020
We were lucky enough to once again be included in this year's Halliday Top 100 with the following 2 wines making this years list:
2019 cherubino dijon chardonnay
'Fermented and matured for 10 months in new and 1yo French oak. The elegance and detail of the perfectly balanced mix of white peach, pink grapefruit and quality oak reflects the marriage of the Dijon clones and quality oak. The length and balance are immaculate.'
97 points
2018 PEDESTAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON
'From vineyards in Wilyabrup, matured in French oak for 12 months. It ticks all the boxes with its cassis fruit on the one hand, firm cabernet tannins on the other providing all-up balance. Exceptional value for a wine with an extended drinking window of opportunity.'
96 points
2020 Perth Royal Wine Show
September 2020
The Perth Royal Wine Show awards were announced recently where we won a Trophy, 2 x Gold Medals, 1 x Silver Medal and 16 x Bronze Medals.
2019 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling - TOP GOLD
GOLD MEDAL
2019 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2019 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
SILVER MEDAL
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling
BRONZE MEDAL
2019 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2019 Cherubino Riversdale Riesling
2019 Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon Clonal Selection
2017 Cherubino Beautiful South Red Wine
2019 Uovo Riesling
2018 Uovo Grenache
2020 Laissez Faire Pinot Blanc
2019 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir
2018 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 Pedestal Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Pedestal Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Ad Hoc Avant Gardening Cabernet Malbec
2018 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2019 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
2020 Margaret River Wine Show
October 2020
GOLD MEDAL
SILVER MEDAL
BRONZE MEDAL
Ray Jordan Wine Guide 2020
December 2019
Ray Jordan has just released his annual Wine Guide for 2020. Along with some brililant reviews Larry had the honour of being named Winemaker of the Year by Ray! Here's what Ray had to say about Larry:
Cherubino is one of the state's finest winemakers. Since arriving back in Western Australia as a precocious young winemaker in charge of Houghton some years ago, he has established his own label in addition to making wines for other producers such as Robert Oatley wines. He also consults for others, including Wise Wines, which has been transformed in recent years. Cherubino's wines have the stamp of class. They are polished and perfectly finished and he is not afraid to push the envelope in style.
Ray also included 6 of our wines in the guide which all received some great ratings:
2019 LAISSEZ FAIRE RIESLING
A great example of how Larry Cherubino as adopted a minimal-intervention approach with this range. Hand harvesting and sorting and then not much more. It’s minerally and quite spicy, with a dusting of bath salts and lemon zest. Restrained yet with lovely delicate flavours. Very attractive wine for the next few years.
93/100
2018 LAISSEZ FAIRE SYRAH
What a thoroughly gorgeous example of Frankland syrah from the famous Riversdale vineyard. This is made to be more delicate and restrained but a combination of a very good vintage and high-class vineyard pumps plenty of sumptuous, plush fruit into the palate. Minimal intervention and no filtration with only minimal sulphites. Seamless and textured with a fine gravelly palate. Just terrific.
95/100
2018 LAISSEZ FAIRE MENCIA
Unusual variety that is native to Portugal and Spain on the Iberian Peninsula. Plush fruit with a palate feel that is more towards varieties such as gamay or even pinot noir. Bright and vibrant colours and a smooth friendly palate. In fact, the palate is a feature. Just so soft and velvety yet there is a fine tannin spine for structure.
92/100
2018 THE YARD ACACIA SHIRAZ
Superb wine from this exceptional vintage. So much depth and concentration in the palate. Yet it has been deftly presented with powdery tannins, neatly weighted oak and a fine acidity to being the wine to life. Rich and delicious. Love the dark plum and black cherry flavours with a dab of spice.
95/100
2018 THE YARD RIVERSDALE SHIRAZ
A beautifully seductive and captivating wine from this excellent vineyard. Has such a wonderful palate structure, with silky fine tannins and fine-grained oak working harmoniously with the gorgeously vibrant fruit. There is a so much life and energy in the palate. Complex mix of liqueurs and spices make for great drinking.
96 /100
2017 THE YARD RIVERSDALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
This is a generous and smooth expression of Frankland cabernet from a vintage that presented a few problems. Not that you would really know it from such an excellent wine. Deep blackcurrant and gamey characters within, plus a dollop of dark chocolate. Fine powdery tannins and a hint of oak. Bright and lively.
92/100
James Suckling Top 100 Australian Wines
3 November 2019
James Suckling & his team have tasted and rated more than 2,700 Australian wines in 2019. Of those 2,700 wines we have had 2 of ours make their Top 100 Australian Wines of 2019!
2017 Cherubino Frankland River SHiraz
Vibrant, ripe and attractive dark berries with blue cherries, blueberries and cassis. The palate has pomegranate, pepper and red plums at the core with sweetly fragrant spices, licorice and pepper notes at the finish. There's a lot to like here. It really holds well.
96 points
2017 cherubino margaret river cabernet sauvignon
The blackcurrant, fresh herb, blueberry and hazelnut character is very impressive, yet this remains refined and subtle. Full-bodied, firm and silky with chewy tannins that are polished and so pointed. Beauty all around. Shows precision and polish.
96 points
2021 National Wine Show of Australia
20th May 2022
Here are our wonderful winemakers Sids and Matt collecting 2 trophies at the National wine show in Canberra over the weekend.
The National wine show judges the best of the best of Australian wine - all wines must have been awarded a gold or silver medal in a previous show to be considered.
Our winning wine was the 2020 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay. It was awarded;
Best Chardonnay of the show 🏆
The Len Evans Memorial Trophy for best white wine of the show 🏆
This wine has now won 10 trophies and is a testament to our vineyard and winemaking team.
2019 Perth Royal Wine Show
30th August 2019
On Friday it was announced that we were this years Most Successful Western Australian Wine Exhibitor at the Perth Royal Wine Show! Our second Trophy win for this show was for Wines of Provenance Best Red or White Varietal for our Cherubino Porongurup Riesling.
Along with these 2 Trophy's we won 3 x Gold. 6 x Silver & 12 x Bronze Medals. A very successful outing for Cherubino Wines.
Here is the full list of Trophys & Medals:
Most Successful Western Australian Exhibitor - TROPHY
Wines of Provenance Best Red or White Varietal - TROPHY
Cherubino Porongurup Riesling 2018, 2011, 2008
GOLD MEDAL
2019 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling - TOP GOLD
2018 Laissez Faire Pinot Blanc
2018 Folklore Shiraz
SILVER MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2018 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
2017 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet
2017 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 LC Malbec
BRONZE MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Pemberton Chardonnay
2018 Laissez Faire Chardonnay
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling
2019 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2018 Laissez Faire Fiano
2018 Laissez Faire Vermentino
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South White
2019 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
2017 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet
2017 Ad Hoc Avant Gardening Cabernet Malbec
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah
2019 National Cool Climate Wine Show
25th October 2019
The results for the 2019 National Cool Climate Wine Show have been announced. We are proud to announce we have won the Champion Chardonnay Trophy with our 2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay!
Along with this Trophy we won another 4 Gold's, 4 Silver's and multiple Bronze Medals.
The full list of medal winning wines is as follows:
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay- TROPHY - Champion Chardonnay
GOLD MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2018 Laissez Faire ‘IV’ Grenache, Shiraz, Counoise, Mataro
SILVER MEDAL
2017 Cherubino Frankland River Malbec
2018 Laissez Faire Chardonnay
2018 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 Apostrophe Possessive Reds’
BRONZE MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah
2017 Cherubino Beautiful South White
2017 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2018 Cherubino Shiraz Malbec
2017 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Laissez Faire Pinot Blanc
2018 Laissez Faire Field Blend
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Fiano
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
2017 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Pedestal Chardonnay
2017 Pedestal Elevation
2017 Ad Hoc Avant Gardening Cabernet Malbec
2019 Apostrophe Stones Throw White
2018 Folklore Shiraz
2018 Uovo Grenache
2018 LC Malbec
2019 Margaret River Wine Show
31st October 2019
The results for this years Margaret River Wine Show have been announced where we have won a Gold Medal for our 2018 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay!
Along with this Gold we have won 4 x Bronze Medals. Our full medal list is as follows:
GOLD MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
Bronze MEdal
2019 Halliday Top 100
November 2019
We were lucky enough to once again be included in this year's Halliday Top 100 with 3 of our wines making the list. These wines are as follows:
'The name refers to the clone that produces radically different sized berries on each bunch. The result is a wine with great concentration and depth that will leave all other chardonnays at this price gasping for breath - there is a full panoply of chardonnay fruit flavours from melon to vanilla and white peach.'
95 points
'Made to measure for restaurant dining, but has a broader market because riesling is the dominant partner, and such residual sugar as there is in the wine isn't obvious. It's crisp, lively and jumping with citrus juice/citrus zest flavours.'
94 points
'A sauvignon blanc/semillon sourced from the Great Southern. Has attitude and drive, the fruit a shimmering bundle of passionfruit, citrus of all kinds, and Granny Smith apple. Spectacular bargain a la Cherubino.'
92 points
2019 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards
18th October 2019
The 2019 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards have been announced and we had a very successful showing winning the Best Sauvignon Blanc Trophy for the 2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc.
Along with this trophy we received 3 x Silver & 8 x Bronze medals.
Here is the full list of Trophy & Medal wins:
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc - TROPHY - Best Sauvignon Blanc
GOLD MEDAL
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
SILVER MEDAL
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah
BRONZE MEDAL
2019 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2018 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2018 Pemberton Chardonnay
2018 Laissez Faire Chardonnay
2019 Apostrophe Stone’s Throw White
2019 Ad Hoc PIP Rose
2018 Uovo Grenache
2019 National Wine Show of Australia
22 November 2019
The results for the 2019 National Wine Show of Australia have been announced. Our 2019 Apostrophe Stone's Throw White has won a Gold Medal along with 1 x Silver and 6 x Bronze Medals.
The full results are as follows:
GOLD MEDAL
2019 Apostrophe Stone’s Throw White - Top of Class
SILVER MEDAL
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
BRONZE MEDAL
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling
2019 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2017 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 Apostrophe Possessive Reds’
2018 Folklore Shiraz
2019 Wine Show of Western Australia
11th October 2019
This years Wine Show of WA results have just been announced and we have taken out 2 x Trophy's!! These are for Most Successful Exhibitor & Best Blended White for our 2019 Apostrophe Stone's Throw White.
Along with these 2 x Trophy wins we have received 7 x Gold Medals, 14 X Silver Medals & 34 Bronze Medals!
Here is the full list of our Trophy’s & Medals from this years show:
Most Successful Exhibitor - TROPHY
2019 Apostrophe Stones Throw White – TROPHY, Best Blended White
GOLD MEDAL
2017 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2018 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2019 Apostrophe Stone's Throw White
2018 The Yard Acacia Shiraz
2017 The Yard Riversdale Shiraz
2018 Laissez Faire ‘IV’ Grenache, Shiraz, Counoise, Mataro
SILVER MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2017 Cherubino Mount Barker Riesling
2017 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2015 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2007 The Yard Riesling
2018 Laissez Faire Pinot Blanc
2018 Folklore Shiraz
2017 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2014 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Apostrophe Possessive Reds’
2017 Pedestal ‘Elevation’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc
2017 Cherubino Beautiful South Red
2018 LC Malbec
BRONZE MEDAL
2018 Pedestal Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Gin Gin Chardonnay
2019 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2019 Laissez Faire Riesling
2019 Cherubino Great Southern Riesling
2018 The Yard Riverdale Riesling
2017 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2016 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
2019 Folklore Sauvignon Blanc
2019 Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Cherubino Beautiful South White
2019 Folklore Classic White
2019 Pedestal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
2017 Laissez Faire Field Blend
2019 Pedestal Pinot Gris
2018 Laissez Faire Fiano
2010 The Yard Bimbimbi Riesling
2018 Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir
2018 Laissez Faire Porongurup Pinot Noir
2018 Folklore Classic Red
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah
2017 The Yard Acacia Shiraz
2017 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Cherubino Rivers End Cabernet Sauvignon
2016 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
2013 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 Pedestal Cabernet Merlot
2017 Ad Hoc Avant Gardening Cabernet Malbec
2016 Laissez Faire ‘IV’ Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Counoise
2018 Uovo Grenache
2018 Laissez Faire Mencia
2017 Cherubino Frankland River Malbec
Australian Single Vineyard Wine Show - 3 x Trophy Winner!
19 July 2019
The results for the 2019 Australian Single Vineyard Wine Show have been published and we are very excited to announce we have won 3 x Trophies!!
MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR
Larry Cherubino Wines
BEST WHITE OTHER VARIETY TROPHY
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
BEST SHIRAZ TROPHY
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah
Along with these Trophies we also won a total of 15 medals, 4 of these being gold:
GOLD MEDAL
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2018 Laissez Faire IV Blend
SILVER MEDAL
2018 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay
2019 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2018 UOVO Grenache
BRONZE MEDAL
2018 The Yard Riversdale Riesling
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2017 Cherubino Margaret River Semillon
2017 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon
2017 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 The Yard Acacia Shiraz
2018 Laissez Faire Mencia
2017 Cherubino Beautiful South Red
Biggest Australian Wine Tasting ever
26 June 2019
Four locations, six states, more than 2,700 wines rated and countless winery visits and meetings later, James Suckling, Nick Stock & Jack Suckling traveled thousands of kilometers from Perth to Sydney in a three-week tasting tour that encompassed the wines from the very best producers across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
The #realaussiewine mission they set themselves was clearly stated from the beginning: rate the best and most authentic Australian wine on offer.
Without question the biggest change to the landscape of Australian wine is a redefined idea of quality that is founded, defined and delivered by the vineyard and not by winemaking or in the winery. This idea underscores the true, the great and the #realaussiewines of today.
We were lucky enough to have 13 of our wines rated in this tasting. The results are as follows:
2017 Cherubino Frankland River Shiraz - 96 points
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling - 96 points
2017 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points
2013 Cherubino Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon - 96 points
2018 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay - 95 points
2018 Cherubino Dijon Chardonnay - 95 points
2018 Laissez Faire IV Blend - 94 points
2018 Laissez Faire Syrah - 94 points
2017 Cherubino Frankland River Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points
2017 The Yard Riversdale Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points
2018 Laissez Faire Pemberton Pinot Noir - 93 points
2018 The Yard Acacia Shiraz - 92 points
2018 Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc - 91 points
2019 Australian Alternative Varietals Wine Show
9th November 2019
The results for the 2019 Australian Alternative Varietals Wine Show have been announced. Our 2018 Laissez Faire Mencia won a Gold Medal along with 2 x Silver's and 4 x Bronze Medals.
GOLD MEDAL
2018 Laissez Faire Mencia
SILVER MEDAL
2018 LC Malbec
BRONZE MEDAL
Wine Show of WA - Most Successful Exhibitor!
Friday 5th October
Last Friday at the Wine Show of WA Awards held in Mount Barker, we were named the Most Successful Exhibitor for 2018! We received 38 Awards in total including 5 Gold, 9 Silver and 24 Bronze. The following wines were awarded Gold:
2016 Cherubino Margaret River Chardonnay
2018 Cherubino Porongurup Riesling
2007 The Yard Riesling
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
2017 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
A huge congratulations to the Winemaking and Viticulture team!
Pictured - Winemakers Matt Buchan, Andrew Siddell & Tarun Victor-Gordon
Halliday Top 100
Saturday 10th November
We were lucky enough to be included in this year's Halliday Top 100 with 3 of our wines making the list. The following wines were all awarded 95 points:
2018 The Yard Channybearup Sauvignon Blanc
2017 Ad Hoc Middle of Everywhere Shiraz
2018 Ad Hoc Wallflower Riesling
A Perfect 10 in The Weekend Australian
June 30, 2018
Our cellar door made the Weekend Australian's top 10 best places to visit in the Margaret River region. Jennifer Ennion wrote the article; we've pasted the relevant bits in this PDF.
Feature article in Sunday Times
30 April 2018
Gail Williams has written a four page article about us in the Sunday Times. Click here to read it in full.
Larry Cherubino Wines listed as one of the world's Top 50 Wine Experiences
January 2018
We're pleased to have been listed as one of the best wine travel experiences in the world by Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine! If you're interested in sampling any of the rare and/or back vintages mentioned in the article, we look forward to hosting you at our Margaret River cellar door.
Larry Cherubino Wines shine at the 2017 Qantas epiQure Halliday Wine Companion Awards
4 August 2016
Halliday has spoken, and once again it’s excellent news for Western Australian wine, with Larry Cherubino Wines awarded Best Value Winery of the Year in the 2017 Qantas epiQure Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Recognised as one of the Australian wine industry’s highest honours, Halliday’s Best Value Winery award recognises producers whose portfolio confidently displays that most holy of unions – outstanding wines and great value for money. Click here for the full story and our James Halliday's Wine Companion ratings >
