Dominique Portet Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley, Australia

2017 Dominique Portet Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterful expression of Yarra Valley elegance, crafted from one of the region’s most celebrated vintages. Combining depth, freshness, and classic Bordeaux-inspired structure, this wine captures both the refinement of its cool-climate terroir and the heritage of ten generations of family winemaking.

Product Details:

• Winemaker: Ben Portet
• Owner: Dominique Portet
• Grapes: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
• Vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon from mature vines in Coldstream; Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc from estate vineyards
• Vintage Conditions: 2017 was widely considered the Yarra Valley’s best vintage since the early 1990s, with moderate rainfall, mild summer, and a long, warm late summer producing low yields of perfectly ripened fruit
• Soils: Sandstone over clay (Cabernet Sauvignon); mixed soils on estate vineyards for other varietals
• Harvest: Hand-picked and sorted
• Vinification: 25 days on skins for structure and texture; aged 14 months in French oak (40% new); blended after élevage
• Closure: Natural cork
• ABV: 13.5%
• Production Size: 700 Cases

Sensory Description:

A brooding and sophisticated nose offers aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, red plum, graphite, river mint, worn leather, and toasted spice. On the palate, layers of silky fruit unfold with impeccable freshness, supported by supple but sinewy tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine reveals both power and elegance, with flavors of dark berry fruit, subtle spice, and a gentle minerality. The finish is long, poised, and savory, suggesting great potential for cellaring.

Awards & Accolades:

• 96 Points – James Halliday (Australia)
• 95 Points – Decanter

Winemaker's Background:

Dominique Portet Winery was founded in 2000 by ninth-generation winemaker Dominique Portet, whose heritage reaches back to Bordeaux in the early 1700s. After pioneering work in Australia’s cool-climate renaissance, he established his namesake winery in Coldstream, Yarra Valley. Today, the winemaking is led by his son, Ben Portet, the family’s tenth-generation winemaker. Ben has honed his craft internationally in Bordeaux, Champagne, Hermitage, Stellenbosch, and Napa Valley before returning to continue the Portet family’s legacy. With a deep respect for terroir and tradition, paired with contemporary innovation, the Portet family produces wines of purity, balance, and finesse.

Serving Suggestions:

Best served at 60–65°F (16–18°C) after decanting for an hour, this Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb leg with rosemary, grilled venison, or beef bourguignon. For a vegetarian match, try it alongside roasted mushrooms with truffle or a rich eggplant parmigiana. It also complements firm-aged cheeses such as Comté or Manchego. Enjoy now for its vibrancy, or cellar for 10–15 years to allow greater depth and complexity to emerge.

2017 Dominique Portet Cabernet Sauvignon stands as both a celebration of Yarra Valley’s finest vintage in decades and a testament to the Portet family’s enduring legacy. It is a wine of grace, strength, and longevity, offering immediate pleasure and the promise of evolution with time.