Xanadu DJL Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $29.90 Holy blackberries Batman! This is a concentrated, grippy, muscular, cocoa and tobacco-tustle on the tongue. As my dad would say, ‘this’ll put hairs on ya chest’ – so get the wax strips out and prepare for a ripper! Crafted by kiwi-born Glenn Goodall (named Winemaker of the … Read More
Cabernet Sauvignon
Howard Park Margaret River Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $30 ★★★★
An instant hit of crushed blackberry and blackcurrant that’s edged with rooibos tea and hints of tobacco means it’s clearly an overachiever in the aroma stakes. It ranks up with the prefects in palate-weight too with dark, elegantly structured , smoky, cedary oak, chewy cabernet tannins and a choco-spice finish. ‘Miamup road’ runs between Cowaramup and Wilyabrup, … Read More
St John’s Road ‘Line & Length’ Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
St John’s Road ‘Line & Length’ Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $20 ★★★½ Here’s a bottle of banging Barossa cabernet that’ll tick all your boxes if you’re looking for bolshy sweet plum and blackcurrant notes, chocolate, peppercorn and classic minty characters. There’s a plush, fleshy sweetness, fruitcake spices and a smoky, toasty finish that just cries … Read More
Elderton Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Elderton Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $31 ★★★★ It’s the perfume of this wine which won me over from the first sniff. Bay and dried, bouquet garni herbs weave through subtle eucalypt and sweet, ripe plum and blueberry notes. In the mouth it’s buoyant and fresh, yet velvety-smooth at the same time. The tannins are … Read More
William Murdoch ‘The Guardsman’ 2009
William Murdoch ‘The Guardsman’ 2009 $65 Built around a solid spine of cabernet sauvignon, and with absolutely no insecticide, herbicide, pesticide, or systemic or non-organic chemicals of any kind being used; this wine is about as organic and natural as they come. Crafted by Hayden Penny from fruit sourced from Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels, this … Read More
Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $50 This wine is glossy with incredibly dense colour and gorgeous aromas of mint, violet, hints of leather and black fruit. In the mouth it is warming, plush, gamey and elegantly structured. The tannins have a gentle yet solid grip and add a lovely textural layer to … Read More
3 November 2011 Either Hugo or I go…
Either Hugo or I go… One of Australia’s most famous brands has had a major makeover. Not only has it given its label a bit of nip-and-tuck and indulged in an expensive set of extensions; it’s also visited the local council chambers, filled out the forms and instigated a name change. First launched in 1980 … Read More
Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $21 * * * ½ Dried herbs, ripe plum, sweet cocoa, wild mint and a vein of smoky, cedary, spiciness will wash across your tastebuds as soon as you sip this gutsy red. The acidity is fresh and the tannins quite chewy, which bodes well for those of … Read More