A great value take on the classic Clare blend, uniting fruit brightness with depth of flavour, impeccable varietal definition and outstanding persistence. Depth of signature cabernet black- and redcurrant fruit is impressive, overlaid with violet perfume, leaf and a hint of Clare Valley mint. 35% Malbec adds its savoury complexity and heightened tannin structure; firm […]

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Inspired by Margaret River cabernet blends, Paul Hotker has pulled back the volume of Frank Potts and refined it into an elegantly medium-bodied blend of 62% cabernet sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 11% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc and 3% merlot. Don’t think Langhorne Creek in the classic, full-bodied style. Instead, this is a wine of restraint, […]

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This is an intense, generous and expressive Prelude, layered with succulent blackberry and plum fruit, crunchy blackcurrants and notes of black pastilles and liquorice. Its dense fruit core lingers long into the finish, neatly honed by bright acidity, firm, fine tannins and confident oak. Persistence and poise are something to behold, promising a great future. […]

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Varietal integrity meets structural endurance in a particularly well-defined vintage for Sami. Classic cabernet black- and redcurrant fruit is accented with capsicum and cedar, contrasting the jubilant black fruits depth of the Barossa with a tannin structure built for the long-hall. A rigid cage of firm, finely textured structure promises to make this one of […]

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This is my favourite sub-$50 Bordeaux right now, a blend of almost equal parts merlot and cabernet sauvignon, with a touch of cabernet franc and malbec. 16 months in 30% new oak barrels keeps the wood influence subtle, building a tannin presence for medium-term potential. It’s a classically elegant style of varietal fruit character, clean, […]

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Fragrant violet aromas unite with mulberry and blackcurrant fruit of impressive depth and persistence, yet at every moment vibrant, lively and medium-bodied. It’s scaffolded by confident, finely structured, chewy tannins, bright acidity and well-gauged dark chocolate oak. Beautifully balanced and enduring, this is one of the greats from Mount Horrocks. $36 at Mates Crates (2012).

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A very classy and classic cabernet for the long-haul, defined by signature blackcurrant and redcurrant fruit, cedar and a fresh red rose petal lift. An outstanding core of blackcurrant fruit propagates with great line and persistence, depth and expression yet compact and magnificently polished, powered by superfine, beautifully focused tannins. Best price direct.

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Upholding varietal definition and structural endurance in full-flavoured, full-bodied cabernet takes skill and talent, and Michael Fragos has exemplified both in 2013. This is a dense, powerful and polished McLaren Vale cabernet that’s brimming with blackcurrants, cassis and dark chocolate. For all of its exuberance, it pulls confidently into a focused and well-defined finish of […]

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Pure, perfumed and elegant while deep, enduring and concentrated, this is an impeccably poised Voyager Estate of alluring magnificence and grand longevity. Few young cabernets display such effortless grace, while charged with a tannin profile that promises an exceptionally long life. This is classic Margaret River Cabernet in all of its allure: fragrant, crunchy and […]

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The 23rd release represents one of the smallest vintages of Gaia. A blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% cabernet franc, it’s at once ethereally fragrant with violet perfume, intensely varietal in its capsicum and leaf, and deep in its blackcurrant core and impeccable frame of dark chocolate oak. Tannins are fine, yet with a […]

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