Nightfall Libra The Balance Dry Red 2019

 

Is The Balance a nice way of saying the dregs? We will never know. What I can tell you is that this Cabernet/Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend stacks up and holds its own very well.

Nightfall Aquila Cabernet Franc 2019

 

There is an inherent charm and calm about this Cabernet Franc. It slides through with ease and invites you to be whisked away. Yes, take me there. From the outset, it screams class. The packaging and the labeling are off the chart. Get the right light on the bottle and the label glistens like the night sky.

Dappled Traditions Cabernets 2020

 

Shaun Crinion, the owner and winemaker of Dappled Wines, sure knows how to slap together a smart wine. A chilled out dude, he is quite considerate about his craft. This Cabernets is a top drink and screams value - as do all of his wines.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2020

 

Wrattonbully Cabernet Franc done well. Very, very well. With a beautiful perfume, I'm hooked from the outset. Given the asking price, this is an excellent buy.

The Bone Line Iridium 2018

 

From a small winery in New Zealand's North Canterbury region, The Bone Line is dishing up some very smart wines. This blend is another example of that. Give it some air and it's a dangerous drink. Cool evenings with whispy pink clouds in the sky as the sun sets - the perfect match awaits. 

Clandestine Vineyards Break Free Low Fi Nouveau 2022

 

Serve this chilled to elevate the enjoyment factor. A tasty summer time red awaits. 

Jim Brand Domain Cabernets 2019

 

One of the very best red wines to have come across the tasting bench this year, this is all about clever blending, great fruit and engaging aromas. Made from the top 1% of fruit produced, quite simply, it's an absolutely superb blend. Stand and applaud.

Juniper Cornerstone Karridale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

 

A keeper that will reward well beyond a decade, this Cabernet blend from Juniper is a worth hanging out for.

Wynns Reframed Coonawarra Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Two Cabernets are better than one the label says. A little shake up of the norm that delivers a summery red that will easily get a little cosy in winter. There is a lot to like about this Reframed range from Wynns.

Dirt Candy The Little General 2021

 

A cool wine this. I'm a big fan. Made with 100% Cabernet Franc, there is not a lot of it in the Hunter let alone being made as a stand-alone variety. Well played here Daniel Payne.

Penley Estate Francis Cabernet Franc 2021

 

A kick arse label for a kick arse wine. It's so playful and energetic. Who would have ever used those words to describe Cabernet Franc? Kate Goodman and Lauren Hansen keep dishing up the goods at Penley Estate and it's best you get on board too.

Penley Estate Giliam Light Dry Red 2021

Crack this ripping bottle of delight. It's such a joyous wine that brings an inner smile. A smile in a bottle if you will. Yes!

Gaelic Cemetery McAskill Cabernet Malbec 2019

 

Give this time and you'll reap the reward. Quite tense early, it was still calming itself down on Day 3 of tasting. With a long life ahead, it's a wine that grows on you with more time in the glass.

Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard The Nest Cabernet Franc 2019

 

Quite brutish and muscular, a Cabernet Franc that is bigger than I imagined to be honest. 

Dodgy Bros The Dilemma 2019

 

A wine suitable for medium-term cellaring, this needs some beef or lamb by its side. 

Brand and Sons Last Sunday Drive Cabernet Franc 2019

 

There are plenty of quality Cabernet Francs coming out of the Coonawarra of late. Add this to the must try list. A sophisticated type, it's on the serious side - furrowed brow and all but with an endearing personality the more you get to know it.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc Shiraz 2018

 

These Terre à Terre wines don't disappoint. I've been privileged to check out the Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Shiraz and Reserve and they've all impressed. There's an fabulous humility about the way they carry themselves and this Cabernet Franc Shiraz is no different.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2016

 

There's a good whack of oak here. I reckon it sits on a knife edge - some folk may be in their happy place yet others may say too much. It does play its hand, let that be said. Either way, it's a fabulous blend.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2018

 

Polished. Damn, this is a very impressive rendition of the good old Australian Cabernet and Shiraz blend.

Juniper Estate Small Batch Cabernet 2018

 

A swirl of the glass and you can immediately see that this is a little more serious than its stablemate the Crossing Cabernet Merlot 2018.