Part of the new range for Sandalford coming from their Swan Valley plantings and named after the year John Septimus Roe, established the winery. I’m still not convinced by label considering the elegance of the other livery in the Sandalford range. The 2016 is still available from Sandalford.

Sandalford, 1840, Cabernet Merlot, Swan Valley, 2017

No statement on the split between the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Merlot components, but I would argue more Cabernet than Merlot. Leafy blackcurrant with some jubey red fruit Merlot influence. Malt cereal, vanilla pod sweetness with some meaty pan jus. Surprisingly forward on the palate with blackberry, boysenberry countering meaty and savoury undertones. Feeling a little disjointed for the moment, the Merlot not quite filling the Cabernet mid palate hole, the tannins gauze like and finishing with a slightly distracting orange juice acidity. Integration hopefully to come.

RRP: $50
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 16.75/20

Wine sample courtesy of Sandalford