Ray Jordan has just released his annual Wine Guide for 2020. Along with some brililant reviews Larry had the honour of being named Winemaker of the Year by Ray! Here's what Ray had to say about Larry:
Cherubino is one of the state's finest winemakers. Since arriving back in Western Australia as a precocious young winemaker in charge of Houghton some years ago, he has established his own label in addition to making wines for other producers such as Robert Oatley wines. He also consults for others, including Wise Wines, which has been transformed in recent years. Cherubino's wines have the stamp of class. They are polished and perfectly finished and he is not afraid to push the envelope in style.
Ray also included 6 of our wines in the guide which all received some great ratings:
2019 LAISSEZ FAIRE RIESLING
A great example of how Larry Cherubino as adopted a minimal-intervention approach with this range. Hand harvesting and sorting and then not much more. It’s minerally and quite spicy, with a dusting of bath salts and lemon zest. Restrained yet with lovely delicate flavours. Very attractive wine for the next few years.
93/100
2018 LAISSEZ FAIRE SYRAH
What a thoroughly gorgeous example of Frankland syrah from the famous Riversdale vineyard. This is made to be more delicate and restrained but a combination of a very good vintage and high-class vineyard pumps plenty of sumptuous, plush fruit into the palate. Minimal intervention and no filtration with only minimal sulphites. Seamless and textured with a fine gravelly palate. Just terrific.
95/100
2018 LAISSEZ FAIRE MENCIA
Unusual variety that is native to Portugal and Spain on the Iberian Peninsula. Plush fruit with a palate feel that is more towards varieties such as gamay or even pinot noir. Bright and vibrant colours and a smooth friendly palate. In fact, the palate is a feature. Just so soft and velvety yet there is a fine tannin spine for structure.
92/100
2018 THE YARD ACACIA SHIRAZ
Superb wine from this exceptional vintage. So much depth and concentration in the palate. Yet it has been deftly presented with powdery tannins, neatly weighted oak and a fine acidity to being the wine to life. Rich and delicious. Love the dark plum and black cherry flavours with a dab of spice.
95/100
2018 THE YARD RIVERSDALE SHIRAZ
A beautifully seductive and captivating wine from this excellent vineyard. Has such a wonderful palate structure, with silky fine tannins and fine-grained oak working harmoniously with the gorgeously vibrant fruit. There is a so much life and energy in the palate. Complex mix of liqueurs and spices make for great drinking.
96 /100
2017 THE YARD RIVERSDALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
This is a generous and smooth expression of Frankland cabernet from a vintage that presented a few problems. Not that you would really know it from such an excellent wine. Deep blackcurrant and gamey characters within, plus a dollop of dark chocolate. Fine powdery tannins and a hint of oak. Bright and lively.
92/100
