Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Cabernet Merlot 2020

 

Silky happiness in a glass courtesy of Mount Langhi Ghiran's Cliff Edge Cabernet Merlot. From a challenging year with small yields, you'll be happy with the quality in the glass.

Whistler Estate Shiraz Cabernet 2021

 

I find wines like this fascinating. Sure they'll live long, but the vibrancy and slurp factor now urge me to dive in with pike. Have one now and save one for later (much later) and you'll know what I mean. The fruit is just bristling at the moment. It's on the dance floor cutting moves and dragging everyone in - you can't help but want more. 

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.

Oliver's Taranga Vine Dried Cabernet 2021

 

A very herby and savoury Cabernet that gains terrific momentum with time in the glass. Made in the Amarone style, the fruit was rack dried to intensify the flavours.

Nightfall Draco Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

Let's start 2023 with a bang! In the words of the great Bruce McAvaney, this Nightfall Draco Cabernet is "something special". I sat with this for some time and returned to it on a second and third day. Just wow! Layers of interest kept peeling off with absolute ease. This is a class act all the way.

Seachange Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

For 20 bucks, this is a very handy Cabernet. From casual barbecues to your campground catch ups, this will have you covered.

Paisley Maeve Shiraz Cabernet 2019

 

We're stepping into the big time now at Paisley. A big, weighty bottle is a step up from the others in the Paisley range, as is the more visually attractive label. All deservedly so given this is the flagship. 

Hesketh Regional Selections Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

A fruit-forward Cabernet that sees older oak, this is an easy go-to. In fact, all the Hesketh new releases have been very tidy. They are worth grabbing given the price point too. The approachability is the shining light with this Cabernet. 

Brash Higgins Ripple 2022

 

We're in peak barbecue season people and a bottle of this Brash Higgins Ripple under your wing is a recipe for sheer happiness. What a beauty! It's joyous. It's juicy. It's a riot of fun.

Oakridge 864 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

This is top-tier Cabernet. Cool climate excellence in a glass. Yarra Valley bliss all the way.

Oliver's Taranga Corrina's Shiraz Cabernet 2021

 

A big McLaren Vale red. A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, this calls for Sunday night roasts. 

Tenafeate Creek One Tree Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

Loaded with roasted peppers, this is a big Cabernet.

Nightfall Leo Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

 

This Nightfall Cabernet is the business. From clever packaging to a cracking wine in the glass, winemaker Sam Brand excels once again.

Oakridge Original Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

Guns 'n' Roses could have sung "Lay me down on a bed of Cabernet" and this bottle could have been on the album cover for that matter. It's just glorious. Find a comfy chair and you navigate the rest. 

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.

Huntington Estate Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

 

In the groove. Silky and savoury, aged red wine bliss. I was fortunate enough to score a museum release sample of this wine. True to form, these Huntington Estate wines age well.

Gundog Estate Rosé 2022

 

Sweltering summer afternoons can be sorted with an ice-cold glass of this Rosé from Gundog Estate.

Tenafeate Creek Wines One Tree Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2021

 

Quite a big and robust Cabernet Merlot blend, it softens with time in the glass. Give it a decant to see it at its best or put it away for a little sleep. All up, roast night is looking tops.

Pegasus Bay Maestro 2019

 

The Maestro represents the best of the Pegasus Bay Bordeaux fruit. I was privileged to receive a pre-release sample and all I can suggest is that you get in the queue. There is a class about its swagger and I just want more.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2020

 

From the Crayères Vineyard in Wrattonbully comes this generous but well-proportioned Cabernet Shiraz. The detail and shape are all class - it's an excellent wine hands down.