Considered by many as the great red variety, not just for its role in Bordeaux, but also thanks to examples such as Coonawarra and Margaret River here; the Napa in California and many other districts. Cabernet sauvignon once ruled unchallenged in this country, but has been placed into the shade by the emergence of shiraz as our global superstar. 

Cabernet offers flavours such as tobacco leaf, cedar, blackberry, dark fruits and much more. It is high in tannin, has considerable acidity, dense structure and can offer a wine the ideal basis for structure. It is very often blended with other Bordeaux varieties, such as cabernet franc, merlot, malbec and petit verdot, but in Australia, it was part of the famous Aussie blend of cabernet and shiraz. Known for its extended ageing abilities.

South Australia

Pepper Tree Elderslee Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: Wrattonbully
RRP: $42
Distributor: Deja Vu Wine Co.
Tasting note: Deep purple. A powerful, full-bodied cabernet, displaying blackberry and spicy French oak characteristics – yet balanced and well structured. Finishes long.

Shingleback Davey Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $23.50
Distributor: Shingleback Wine
Tasting note: Great value for money. Bright purple colour with ripe blackberry and strawberry on the nose. Dark fruits and mulberry on the palate with rich dark chocolate, a smooth mouthfeel and finish that is moorish.

Penny’s Hill Edwards Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $25
Distributor: Mezzanine Wine
Tasting note: Deep hued appearance with an upfront fruit sweetness. Dark berry and hints of dried herb, a subtle and sustained palate with integrated oak structure and fine tannins.

Brokenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013
Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $35
Distributor: Samuel Smith and Son
Tasting note: This 70/30 blend of cabernet sauvignon/merlot has a rich cherry note on the nose. The palate opens up with plums and stone fruit sweetness balanced by the tobacco leaf and mulberry flavours. A genuine blend, displaying the varietal characteristics of the McLaren Vale. A powerful palate with finely balanced tannins.

d’Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Region: McLaren Vale
RRP: $65
Distributor: Young & Rashleigh Wine Merchants (ACT), Inglewood Wine Merchants (NSW), Thomas Chin (NT), The Wine Tradition (QLD), Empire Liquor (SA), David Johnstone & Associates (TAS), The Wine Company (VIC) and Off The Vine (WA)
Tasting note: Deep blood red appearance. Cigar box and tobacco notes. Flavours of dark fruits, liquorice and a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel. Grippy yet refined tannins and a generous finish.

Pikes The Hill Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $60
Distributor: Oatley Fine Wine Merchants
Tasting note: Earthy nose with subtle hints of mulberry and cassis. An inviting and approachable palate with a restrained, yet elegant mouthfeel that has a deep and structured finish.

Taylors St Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Region: Clare Valley
RRP: $65
Distributor: Taylors Wines
Tasting note: Elegant and refined – displaying a more restrained style of cabernet that develops beautifully as it opens up to blackcurrant and black olives, supported with coffee and a refined structure that finishes long.

Jb Wines Sobels Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $25
Distributor: JB Wines
Tasting note: Dark crimson appearance and a savoury nose. Brambly and green initially, develops with time out of the bottle. Stewed fruit, rhubarb and gooseberry. Raisin and dark fruits followed by grippy tannins and a long dry finish.

Grant Burge Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Region: Barossa Valley
RRP: $90
Distributor: Accolade Wines
Tasting note: A beautifully rich wine with bright fruit still at seven years old. Integrated oak structure and a generous mouthfeel with great finesse, intensity and structure. Dark fruits and long fine tannins produce a mouthwatering finish.

Brand’s Laira Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $24.99
Distributor: Casella Family Brands
Tasting note: A rich wine with a full-bodied palate, very expressive and classically fine tannins. It takes a while to open up to dark berry fruits and subtle oak integration. This wine will cellar well but equally, is ready to be enjoyed now. Decant.

Hamilton Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $21
Distributor: Veraison Wines (NSW), Australian Independent Wine Wholesalers (QLD), Options Wine Merchants (SA & NT), David Johnstone & Associates (TAS), Epicure Sales & Marketing (WA) and Westwood Wines (VIC)
Tasting note: Bright and rich appearance, this wine displays classical regional characteristics of rich cassis and dark berry fruits, with long fine tannins.

Wynns The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $25
Distributor: Treasury Wine Estates
Tasting note: Deep red appearance, savoury nose and cedary notes. Blackberry and cherry followed by integrated tannins and a gentle and smooth texture at the finish. An approachable wine with classic Coonawarra class.

Penley Estate Steyning Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $45
Distributor: Domaine Wine Shippers
Tasting note: Deep blood red appearance with a savoury nose. A rich and dense texture, full bodied and concentrated. On the palate, there are flavours of dark chocolate and cassis. Long and drying finish.

Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Region: Coonawarra
RRP: $55
Distributor: Samuel Smith & Son
Tasting note: Deep crimson, notes of cassis on the nose and wild berries. Elegant palate with refined tannins and impressive length of flavour. A stand out example from a stand out region.

Victoria

Leura Park Estate Yublong Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: Geelong
RRP: $40
Distributor:The Sharp Group
Tasting note: Lovely crimson colour and perfumed fruit aromas with a touch of tobacco and chocolate. Quite dry. Grainy tannins.

Melba Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Region: Yarra Valley
RRP:$45
Distributor: De Bortoli Family Winemakers
Tasting note: Deep purple. Savoury, earthy aromas. Dark chocolate and cedar oak flavours. Elegant.

New South Wales

Tumblong Hills J-Block Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Region: Gundagai
RRP: $29.99
Distributor: Tumblong Hills
Tasting note: An inviting aroma of cedar oak, tobacco and a touch of cinnamon. Good tannin structure and acid. Blackberry flavour and a savoury, moorish finish.

McWilliam’s Single Vineyard Block 19 and 20 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: Hilltops
RRP: $40
Distributor: McWilliam’s Wines
Tasting note: Incredible dark purple colour. Aromas of mocha, cedar, spice and subtle oak. Flavours of chocolate, blackcurrant and a touch of liquorice. Rounded palate and tannin structure leads to a long and earthy finish.

Western Australia

Houghton The Bandit Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Region: Frankland River
RRP: $19.99
Distributor: Accolade Wines
Tasting note: Aromas of cedar, cassis, opulent fruit and spice. Refined texture. Bright fruit, oak and savoury flavours. Would match well with cured meats. Good value cabernet.

Hamelin Bay Five Ashes Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Region: Margaret River
RRP: $29.50
Distributor: Inglewood Wine Merchants
Tasting note: Colour is starting to show some age. Rich and expressive nose of bramble, spice and subtle oak. Juicy fruit flavour and a touch of chocolate. Fine, firm tannins lead to a spicy finish.

Fermoy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: Margaret River
RRP: $40
Distributor: Fermoy Estate
Tasting note: Deep purple with a bright crimson edge. Earthy, cigar notes on the nose. Intense tobacco and smoky flavours. Mouth coating tannins. Long, long finish.

Fraser Gallop Estate Parterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Region: Margaret River
RRP: $42
Distributor: Domaine Wine Shippers
Tasting note: A blend of cabernet (85 per cent), petit verdot (seven per cent), merlot (four per cent) and malbec (four per cent). Wonderful aromas of cedar oak, chocolate and tobacco. A delicious and earthy palate, with layers of fruit, spice and oak. Mouth coating tannins.

Evans & Tate Redbrook Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Region: Margaret River
RRP: $49
Distributor: McWilliam’s Wines
Tasting note: Bright purple in colour. A blend of spices, oak and dried fruit - raisins and currants, on the nose. Mouthwatering acid. Juicy fruit flavours with some secondary tobacco notes. Nice tannin structure leads to a long finish. Good cellaring potential.

The Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Region: Margaret River
RRP: $100
Distributor: McWilliam’s Wines
Tasting note: Beautifully balanced nose of cigar, Christmas spice, oak and stewed plums. Supple texture, still showing fresh fruit flavours. Great tannin structure is at the core of this wine. Put this one away for a few years and reap the rewards.

Hardys Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (available from May)
Region: Margaret River
RRP: $130
Distributor: Accolade Wines
Tasting note: A wonderfully structured and elegant wine. Deep crimson in colour and a bright, cherry aroma. Silky tannins uphold red berry fruit flavours, dark chocolate, spice and a hint of liquorice.

Multi-Regional

Hardys HRB Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Region: Margaret River, Coonawarra and Frankland River
RRP: $40
Distributor: Accolade Wines
Tasting note: Ruby red, bright and lively. A blend of chocolate mint richness and cassis. The wine is well structured with a powerful backbone. Will benefit from a few years in the cellar, but ready and willing now.

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