Rob and Gen Mann Strike Again…
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the highly anticipated release of Corymbia’s 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon from their Calgardup Vineyard in the Margaret River. As Erin Larkin once stated, it is a “routinely beautiful wine,” and it is a testament to the Mann’s confidence in the vineyard and their manner of stepping out of its way.
Planted in 2002 on the unique Keenan gravelly loam soil, just 2km inland from the iconic Redgate Beach, this vineyard lies in the southern reaches of the region. This exceptional wine represents the realisation of a long-held dream, inspired by Rob Mann’s grandfather, the legendary Jack Mann. “If you could love one child just a little more than another, this would be it.” says Gen and Robb. “The wine is our heritage, our future and our dreams, all encompassed in one. The realisation of a dream seeded by Rob’s grandfather, Jack Mann, a privilege to see that dream come to life. Unorthodox in style, a unique expression of Margaret River Cabernet.”
This isn’t just one of WA’s most exciting winegrowing projects, it is one of the country’s most brilliant and thoughtful couples doing great things in a singular but driven, focussed, sympathetic manner. Dry-grown, organic viticulture through whole-berry fermentation and no new oak help to deliver the message with mouth-watering, whistle-clean clarity. Garnering rave reviews from critics and buyers in the last few vintages, the anticipation for this year’s offering is palpable and we are thrilled to be part of this journey, offering you the opportunity to experience the latest release firsthand. We can’t wait to witness the unfolding of yet another extraordinary chapter in the legacy of Corymbia’s ‘Calgardup Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon and with great honour we present their wines to you today.
2023 Corymbia ‘Calgardup Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon $71 RRP
This wine embodies our heritage, our future and our dreams. The realisation of a dream seeded by Rob’s grandfather, Jack Mann. Rob recalls being allowed to taste a 1971 Houghton Cabernet at dinner with Jack and his wife Angela at just 10 years old and decided there and then that Cabernet was his future. It’s a privilege to see that dream come to life. Unorthodox in style, this is a unique expression of Margaret River Cabernet.
The fifth release from our dry grown, organically farmed Calgardup Vineyard. Located just 2 km inland from the famous Redgate Beach in Margaret River. The fruit was harvested by hand on the last day of March, individually berry sorted prior to natural, whole berry fermentation in a single French oak vat. Maturation followed in seasoned French oak demi muids for 14 months.
The mild dry season was close to perfect, and we could not be more excited about this release. The wines from this vintage have a clarity, freshness and density which bodes well for showing well early, but these will be long lived wines having a wonderful tannin spine and lively acidity. Pomegranate, crème de cassis, violets and rolled tobacco combine for a fragrant and lifted aroma. The wine tastes of the grape, the dirt and the sea with bright black fruits and Dutch licorice complemented by wet slate and nori notes. Medium bodied but packed with personality it has incredible length. It’s worth decanting and pulling out your best glasses despite having to then wash and dry them by hand.
The vineyard here is kind of like a secret garden, nestled just a little east of Redgate beach.
Lots of seaweed and sea spray, blackcurrant, ripe redcurrant, a little aniseed and dried rosy perfume. It’s medium-bodied, crisp and juicy, all redcurrant and raspberry, some biscuit flavour, an emery board fine grainy rub to tannin, lots of juicy red fruited energy, a crisp seaweed and umami flavour here, and the finish is saline and long. Very different to your average MR Cabernet, and the relief from oak is also a treat. Excellent. 95 points. Gary Walsh, The Winefront July 2024