Twinwoods Optivus Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Winery Background and History

Founded in 2005 by Aldo Bratovic and Gavin Jones, Twinwoods Estate is nestled in the heart of Margaret River’s Wilyabrup sub-region in Western Australia. Building from a boutique family-run vineyard, Twinwoods has quickly earned a reputation for crafting terroir-expressive wines that blend Old World finesse with New World vibrancy. The “Optivus Reserve” is their flagship expression, embodying the estate’s ambition to reflect Margaret River’s maritime elegance and varietal purity.

Producer and Wine Maker

The Optivus Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Twinwoods’ estate winemaking team, using grapes solely from their Wilyabrup vineyard. The team emphasizes minimal intervention, combining careful vineyard management with traditional barrel aging. Their philosophy focuses on delivering wines that are structured yet supple, with an emphasis on elegance and regional expression.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes for Optivus Reserve are grown in Wilyabrup, within the Margaret River region. The climate here benefits from maritime moderation, with cooling sea breezes and stable diurnal shifts encouraging slow ripening. Soils are predominantly gravelly loam over clay, offering excellent drainage and balanced vigor. These conditions yield Cabernet Sauvignon with expressive red and dark fruit, bright acidity, and refined tannins.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Harvested Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes fermentation followed by barrel aging in fine-grained French oak barriques. Aging lasts approximately 18 months, with a focus on developing texture, depth, and complexity without masking varietal character. The restrained oak influence enhances structure and layering, maintaining fruit purity while adding elegance and nuance.

Tasting Notes

This medium-to-full-bodied Cabernet offers rich berry fruit, complemented by notes of chocolate, walnut, cedar, and subtle oak spice. The texture is creamy with polished, rounded tannins and a flavorful finish. The wine is balanced, complex, and harmonious—showcasing both power and finesse.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pair this Cabernet with bold proteins such as grilled lamb, beef stews, roasted game, or aged cheeses. Its structured tannins and layered flavors also complement dishes with earthy components like mushroom risottos or herb-crusted meats, enhancing both savory and umami-driven pairings.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at approximately 16–18 °C in a medium-large Bordeaux-style red glass. Decanting for 20–30 minutes is recommended to allow aromas to open and tannins to soften, revealing the wine’s depth and complexity.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is suitable for short to medium-term cellaring. Under ideal conditions, it can develop gracefully over 5–7 years, during which fruit layers will integrate with tertiary notes and tannins continue to soften.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Scores

James Suckling: 93 points