2018 Wantirna Estate 'Amelia' Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot 750ml

Overview

The 2018 Wantirna Estate Amelia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is an elegant, single-vineyard Australian red wine from the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Produced predominantly from historic dry-grown vines planted in 1963, this 750ml Bordeaux-style blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The outstanding 2018 vintage offers concentrated blackcurrant, boysenberry and dark cherry fruit, complemented by savoury herbs, mocha and tobacco. With its fine tannins, balanced acidity and impressive ageing potential, Amelia showcases the finesse and depth of mature Yarra Valley Cabernet.

Critic Reviews

96/100 — Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“superbly tight but fine, elegant tannins”
Tasted 3 December 2020

95/100 — Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
“This is a wine with a good heart, a good finish”

95/100 — Steven Creber, Halliday Wine Companion
“Perfectly medium bodied”

Producer Notes

2018 Vintage
“The fruit was perfect, ripe and with great tannins.”

Wantirna Estate

Vintage & Winemaking

The 2018 growing season was one of the earliest experienced at Wantirna Estate. Spring flowering occurred ahead of the usual schedule, with the early development continuing throughout the season. Merlot arrived at the winery during the first week of March, with the fruit achieving excellent ripeness and tannin maturity.

The 2018 Amelia was produced from approximately 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and Cabernet Franc combined, and 8% Petit Verdot. The resulting wine displays generous black fruit concentration, distinctive Cabernet character and a backbone of fine, dusty tannins.

Amelia Vineyard

A substantial proportion of the fruit for Amelia comes from Wantirna Estate's original Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines planted in 1963. Petit Verdot was subsequently established in 1989, contributing additional structure, tannin and natural acidity to the blend.

The vineyard is entirely dry-grown, without irrigation. Its mature vines develop deep root systems that penetrate the clay soils in search of natural moisture. These historic plantings, combined with careful vineyard management, contribute to the wine's distinctive concentration, elegance and expression of Yarra Valley terroir.

About the Producer

Wantirna Estate was established in 1963 by Reg and Bertina Egan, making it one of the pioneering vineyards of the modern Yarra Valley wine revival. Located in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, the family-owned estate has preserved many of its original vines and remains dedicated to producing small quantities of elegant, site-driven wines.

Winemaking is led by second-generation winemaker Maryann Egan, whose experience includes Burgundy, Bordeaux and Domaine Chandon. Her approach emphasises balance, finesse and the authentic expression of the estate's historic vineyard.

Named after Maryann's daughter, Amelia is the estate's classic Bordeaux-style Cabernet blend, celebrated for its refined structure, understated complexity and long-term ageing potential.

Specifications