Dormilona Clayface Cabernet

2023 | Margaret River | Cabernet Sauvignon

Description

The 2023 Dormilona Clayface Cabernet is a standout expression of natural winemaking from Margaret River, carefully crafted by the talented Josephine Perry. This Cabernet is made with grapes that are hand-harvested and then gently destemmed before being placed into Italian amphorae. The traditional winemaking process includes daily foot-stomping and a lengthy maceration on the skins, which imparts a deep, complex character to the wine.

After five months, the wine is basket-pressed and returned to the amphorae to settle, ensuring a pure and unfiltered final product. The result is a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with elegant layers of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle herbal notes, all supported by fine tannins and a refreshing acidity.

Perfect for those who appreciate a handcrafted wine with minimal intervention, the 2023 Clayface Cabernet is both a celebration of traditional methods and a modern take on Margaret River’s rich terroir.

$55.00
$55.00
$65.00
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The 2023 Dormilona Clayface Cabernet is a standout expression of natural winemaking from Margaret River, carefully cr...
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A bottle of 2023 Dormilona Clayface Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring a distinctive and artistic label depicting a whimsical, nature-inspired scene with lush greenery, flowers, and a bright sky. The intricate design covers the center of the bottle, which has a dark glass and a black capsule over the cork, standing against a white background.

As natural as natural winemaking can be...simple...

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About this Wine

Info about the winery:
Dormilona is a boutique winery located in Margaret River, founded by award-winning winemaker, Josephine Perry.
Translated as ‘Lazy Bones’ in Spanish – Dormilona is a producer of natural wines, made lovingly and organically using low-impact, minimal intervention techniques.

The Clayface range is a collection of layered, savoury and mineral Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin Blancs; each raised in Italian terracotta (flat-bottomed, handmade amphorae, originally made by Jo’s aunty). Dormilona are the Estate wines: single-site, classic drinking with benchmark quality and precision. While Perry’s ‘House Wines’ collection is a playful suite which includes some pét-nat and plenty of fun with whole-bunch, amphorae, open-fermenters and skins.

Gentle green capsicum, stems and spice on the nose. Beautiful blackcurrants, cassis, plum in the mouth. Medium body, so elegant and fresh with subtle tannins. Lovely from the moment you open it, but even more gorgeous after it’s had some time to breathe.

Winemaker's Notes

The 2022 Clayface Cabernet is purely made in amphora, hand-harvested, and meticulously crafted using minimal intervention techniques. After macerating on skins for five months, the wine is basket-pressed and returned to amphora for settling, before being hand-bottled on a bright sunny fruit day—capturing the essence of the vineyard in every bottle.

Additional Winery Information & Awards:
Dormilona is an award-winning boutique winery founded by Josephine Perry, known for its dedication to natural and organic winemaking. While specific awards for this vintage may not yet be listed, the Clayface range has consistently received praise for its unique and expressive wines.

Technical Info

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Margaret River | Western Australia | Australia
Size: 750mL
Alcohol Volume: 12.5%
Standard Drinks: 7.4
PRESERVATIVE 220 ADDED
WINE OF AUSTRALIA

Cellaring Recommendations

Clayface Cabernet is drinking beautifully now but has the potential to evolve over the next 5-7 years. Its medium body and elegant tannins will continue to develop, offering a more complex and nuanced experience with time.

Further Information

Info about the winery:
Dormilona is a boutique winery located in Margaret River, founded by award-winning winemaker, Josephine Perry.
Translated as ‘Lazy Bones’ in Spanish – Dormilona is a producer of natural wines, made lovingly and organically using low-impact, minimal intervention techniques.

The Clayface range is a collection of layered, savoury and mineral Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Chenin Blancs; each raised in Italian terracotta (flat-bottomed, handmade amphorae, originally made by Jo’s aunty). Dormilona are the Estate wines: single-site, classic drinking with benchmark quality and precision. While Perry’s ‘House Wines’ collection is a playful suite which includes some pét-nat and plenty of fun with whole-bunch, amphorae, open-fermenters and skins.

Gentle green capsicum, stems and spice on the nose. Beautiful blackcurrants, cassis, plum in the mouth. Medium body, so elegant and fresh with subtle tannins. Lovely from the moment you open it, but even more gorgeous after it’s had some time to breathe.

Dormilona Clayface Cabernet

Margaret River | Western Australia | Australia

About the Winery: Dormilona

Dormilona Wines is a trailblazing, minimal-intervention winery based in the renowned Margaret River region of Western Australia. Founded by Jo Perry, an experienced winemaker with a deep commitment to sustainable viticulture, Dormilona embraces organic and biodynamic practices to produce wines with minimal additives and maximum expression of the terroir. The name "Dormilona," meaning "lazy bones" in Spanish, reflects the winery's laid-back yet meticulous approach to letting the vineyard speak for itself through the wines.

Dormilona Wines has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, small-batch wines that are vibrant, fresh, and full of character. Jo’s winemaking philosophy centres around minimal intervention—using wild fermentation, no fining, and no filtration—allowing the natural flavours of the grapes to shine through. Dormilona focuses on classic Margaret River varietals, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc, crafting wines that are as pure and natural as possible while showcasing the region's world-class vineyards.

About the Wine Region Margaret River

The Margaret River wine region is one of Australia's most famous and acclaimed wine-producing areas. Located in the southwest corner of Western Australia, the region is known for its Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for growing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz. Margaret River is particularly renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is considered among the finest in Australia, offering rich, complex flavours with excellent structure and aging potential.

Margaret River’s coastal influence, with cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean, helps to moderate temperatures, creating perfect conditions for slow ripening and balanced wines. The region's diverse soils, from gravelly loams to sandy clays, contribute to the complexity of the wines, with winemakers focusing on sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. With a reputation for producing elegant, refined wines that reflect the purity of the fruit, Margaret River has become a global leader in premium wine production. The region’s stunning landscape and commitment to quality have made it a destination for wine lovers from around the world.

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