PICK of the new releases: Pedestal Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
This shone in a recent line-up of very good WA cabernets.
The Pedestal vineyard in Wilyabrup was planted in 1998, adjacent to or just a stone’s throw from some of Australia’s greatest cabernet vineyards.
The fruit was sold for some years and then the first wines under this label were made in 2008.
This cabernet has at least three things going for it.
The location appears to be exceptional, but this will need to be confirmed in the coming years.
The 2009 cabernet vintage in Margaret River also appears to be exceptional, but is really just another in an ongoing series of outstanding years for this variety down there.
Then the third factor is the winemaker, Larry Cherubino.
Larry’s teams have won more gold medals and trophies in a short few years than most senior company winemakers could win in a lifetime.
Despite the tiny size of his own Cherubino, The Yard, Laissez Faire and Ad Hoc brands, and to which you can now add the Pedestal label, Larry presumably is receiving more great reviews over many varieties in the country’s most significant rating forums and books than any other producer of his size.
Larry has had many consulting roles since he severed ties with Houghton Wines in 2003 (where remarkably, the extraordinary successes are largely unknown) but none would be bigger than his current role as director of winemaking at Robert Oatley Wines in NSW.
This is a relatively new venture for Oatley, the legendary yachtsman and former founder and operator of Rosemount Wines.
While Larry tackles many varieties with great success, it is cabernet that is relevant at the moment as he is releasing about 10 stunning, mainly single vineyard, 2010 cabernets in a couple of weeks, mostly in tiny quantities of up 100 cases each.
“Long, soft fruit with gentle ripe tannins. Supple, fine knit and seamless oak handling. Dense and classy. Great length and lovely finish.
The last few cases are only available from www.larrycherubino.com or on 9382 2379. 18.7 points RRP $49