2012 Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon, Tasmania
Domaine A’s Stoney Vineyard is the oldest site in Tasmania’s Coal River Valley, with a reputation for producing Bordeaux-inspired wines of power and longevity. Summer fruit flavours with tobacco and liquorice are framed by structured tannin. domaine-a.com.au
2017 Evans & Tate Redbrook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
Handpicked exclusively from Evans & Tate’s Wilyabrup vineyards, this pure and structured cabernet exhibits ripe redcurrant with cassis and leafy, violet aromas. It shows remarkable mid-palate fruit flavour and excellent length. evansandtate.wine
2019 Gibson Wines Isabelle Cabernet Merlot, Barossa
This Bordeaux-inspired expression is crafted from cabernet, merlot and petit verdot all grown on Gibson’s home block at the cold end of the Barossa in Light Pass. Lifted aromas of musk, black cherry and layers of spice carry through to the palate with black cherry, olive and bay leaf. gibsonwines.com.au
2015 Mérite Merlot, Wrattonbully
While almost all Australian merlot is made from one clone, Mérite is made from French clones creating a complex, youthful bouquet that benefits from decanting. On the palate, expect just-ripe plums, red fruits and fine, glossy tannins. meritewines.com
2016 Ottelia Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
From vines with an average age of 23 years, this wine showcases berry fruit, dark chocolate and liquorice aromas with subtle varietal lift and background French oak. The palate is rich and mouth-filling with generous mid-palate weight and good length. ottelia.com.au
2018 Patrick of Coonwarra Two-Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
Crafted with fruit from northern Coonawarra and from an outstanding vintage, this wine exhibits a lifted perfume and dark cherry fruit aromas. The palate is bold and full with softness, spice and elegant tannins. patrickofcoonawarra.com
2019 Robert Stein Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Mudgee
The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a true expression of the Stein family’s 46-year-old vineyard. Handpicked and wild fermented in small open fermenters, this wine was matured in new French oak (40%) for 15 months. robertstein.com.au
2019 Rochford Estate la Gauche Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley
Aromas of bright cherry, plum fruits with earthy notes of twigs and forest florals lead to an energetic palate of redcurrants, black olive and nori, with earthy, graphite tannin structure. This wine is inspired by the traditional blend of Bordeaux’s ‘Left Bank’ where the predominant variety is cabernet sauvignon. Rochford Estate celebrate with an interpretation of this blend from the Yarra Valley. rochfordwines.com.au
2021 Te Kano Estate Northburn Cabernet Franc, Central Otago
This small batch cabernet franc is a reflection of the unique terroir of Te Kano’s Northburn site. Blackcurrant, blueberry and liquorice aromas lead to
a palate of fresh, crunchy tannins and lively acidity around a core of vibrant fruit. tekanoestate.com
2018 Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernets Merlot, Hawke’s Bay
First made in 1982, Awatea continues to represent the best of the classic Hawke’s Bay cabernet/merlot blend. Floral aromas with intense blackberry, currant and dark plum flavours lead to a rich, supple palate with a sustained finish. temata.co.nz
2020 Villa Maria EarthGarden Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, Hawke’s Bay
A blend of 55% merlot and 45% cabernet sauvignon from Villa Maria’s Biogro certified organic vineyards. A perfumed nose of dark fruits, cocoa, sweet vanilla and clove with a generous, full-bodied palate with ripe fruit and silky tannins. villamariawines.com
2019 Warramunda Estate Compass, Yarra Valley
A blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon with aromas of red and dark berry fruits, violets and cedar complexities. The palate is approachable with a firm seam of tannin, structure and a long finish. warramundaestate.com.au