2018 Margaret River Cabernet: Worth the HYPE?

John Jens (JJ) joins me to revisit six of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignons made in Margaret River in 2018: Margaret River's greatest Cabernet vintage. The question is: how are these wines looking four years on - was the fuss warranted?
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2018 Vasse Felix Tom Cullity Cabernet Malbec, Margaret River (Wilyabrup)
2018 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River (Yallingyup)
2018 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River (Wilyabrup)
2018 Cullen Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River (Wilyabrup)
2018 Xanadu Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River (Wallcliffe)
2018 Woodlands Xavier Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River (Wilyabrup)
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Any review you see on my socials ( / erinllarkin , this channel and my website (www.erinlarkin.com.au) are never paid for by wineries or anyone else: the wines are featured on their merits - because they have risen to the top in tastings. If you try the wines I recommend and you like them - good! Because so do I.

[@kurjan1]

I am broke today because of 2018... Great video guys.

[@jamesm3723]

Hi Erin I have an idea for you. Would you like to do a video with John on designing your cellar for most people? Like if you consider a 20 year drinking timetable what should you purchase.

[@wyattalexander4041]

I look forward to every episode but love it when I see you two in the thumbnail haha the chemistry is great on tasting and speaking on the wines it’s always a treat to listen in!

[@elizadozell3680]

thank you so much for this video. I am a kiwi moving to WA soon and your run through of these wines and clonal explanation with your vast experience and skill are fantastic. This has really helped me to know a bit more about Cab and Chard and WA in general. Thank you for sharing.

[@paulelliott5600]

You guys work/taste together so well it is great to listen 🍷

[@jeanlucbergman479]

The 2018 Moss Wood is absurdly good.

[@kendavis7248]

How cool Indeed and thank you both for this tasting!

[@hariathan2000]

The little deep dives into the teams and your thoughts on the dynamics of the industry (e.g at

[@CaoimhinKay]

Love the purity and fruit in say the Vanya and the Cloudburst Cabernets. And the DM 18 was delicious drinking on release. I don’t always get the biodynamic calendar. That tea note was so lovely though!

[@danielmagg6096]

Thanks Erin and John, this video inspired me to buy some 2018 Margs Cab Sav. Even though my pockets are not deep enough for the flagships, the 2nd wine of these wineries is still outstanding. Incredible balance of fruit, spice and Savoury notes. Cheers

[@davidwebster3325]

Agree that Woodlands Cabernet ages beautifully and having collected a lot of 2001 Margaret River the Woodlands was the best amongst peers after two decades. The 2004 and 2005 were amazing as well.

[@chrisdavies5515]

Two of my favourite wine people in Australia, not had the pleasure of meeting you yet Erin but JJ is a very special person and my go to place for wine tasting! What a fantastic video yet again Erin and 2018 does indeed take a shelf in my cellar. I have one of all of these and can’t wait to taste them again sometime in the future, maybe 2028 would be a great year! ❤

[@jorgenmillton1166]

Erin, this is by far one of your best videos ever (together with your tasting of Standish 2018 and 2019) I love your collaboration with JJ here. I've been on a mission to try to find these vintages from these producers, but it's not easy, especially in Sweden.

[@hondaracerboy]

Glad to hear the thoughts on the Moss Wood as one of the best vintages. Got two cases of the '18 MW 😁

[@whitty75]

Well this has me googling my regular suppliers in oz to try and get a case of 2018 to put into storage. I’ve tried most of these as other vintages but you’ve spruiked the Margaret river ‘18 previously so I’m listening and will add a case to try and keep for a little while

[@hls8818]

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[@benward3567]

Erin - how about a best of the Great Southern red version? Forest Hill Block 9 2018, Duke’s 2018 Morrisey, Singlefile Philip Adrian 2018, frankland river wines etc etc

[@tomstockell9481]

Great line up Erin, even better if Junipers Cornerstone Karridale 18 was there giving them a run for their money ( I'm doing their exports :)

[@minka8047]

I think the hard thing about that 2018 vintage in WA is which wine do you not buy? And buying them all is expensive!! @ Erin Larkin great content - any chance JJ and yourself can dona Margret River cabernet Vs Left bank Bordeaux video?

[@joycelintok]

Hello! Just wanted to check, what are both your thoughts on the Leeuwin Estate Art Series 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon? Thanks!