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Australian Cabernet Sauvignon

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As the buzz on Australian Shiraz spreads with each new vintage, the quality of the country's Cabernet Sauvignon has quietly been elevating itself to levels that can give even Bordeaux a run for its money.

In Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon appears in a number incarnations that one wouldn't be able to find in any French AOC region—namely, New World varietal wines and blends with its closest rival, Shiraz. Both are having tremendous results; world-class wines regularly come out of regions such as Coonawarra, the Barossa Valley, and Mclaren Vale, where Cabernet grapes get the generous sun that they need to develop the rich, palate coating textures reminiscent of their home terroir.

The most straightforward of these wines are simply dense with dark blackberry fruit flavors. Usually these are the youthful, bargain-priced varietals. But don't let their low prices fool you—top names like Henschke, Hardy's, and Coonawarra Estate come out with solid wines such as these every year. On the higher end of the price spectrum, expect wines that add earthy and sometimes mentholated flavors to this. Leeuwin Estate Art Series is a classic in this range that you will not soon forget. In the finest, most complex of these wines, heady aromas of tobacco and cigar box too can be present in the mix, along with a rich, gripping structure that is much like the best red Bordeaux.

Australian Cabernet Quick Pick Guide:

Chapel Hill, Vasse Felix, St. Hubert's, Rosemount's Show Reserve,
Henschke Cyril Henschke, Leeuwin Estate Art Series, Langhorne Creek,
Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa First Growth, Penfolds Bin 707, Wynns John Riddich

some recommended Australian Cabernets...

Peter Lehmann Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $15

Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Description: Deep red in color and tasting of spiced dark black fruit, with aromatic touches of menthol.

With some age, it becomes chocolaty, sometimes emanating clove and nutmeg. Supple on the mouth.

Comment: Bar none, this is one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon values anywhere in the world. At only 15$, this wine was awarded Best Cabernet at the International Wine and Spirit Competition—quite a pedigree. Always finely structured and impressively ageworthy, having 12 months maturation in French oak prior to bottling.

Food pairing: grilled meats | duck | mature cheeses | mushrooms | game

When to drink: Keep up to 5 years

Service temperature: 18°C | 64°F

Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvingnon Mclaren Vale $30

Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Description: A harmony of clove spiced blackcurrant flavors, and subtle toasted nut flavors with a soft underpinning of oak.

Comment: The key to the Cabernets of Mclaren Vale is thegentle sea breeze which ensures that the grapes ripen at a reasonable pace, allowing for their optimum development of tannins and flavors. The oaking of this particular wine is also precise, and perfectly executed to achieve its unique flavor profile. Winemaker Michael Fragos utilizes a split of 80/20 to French and American oak, with barrels that are 35% new, 33% second use, and 32% third use.

Food pairing: grilled meats | rich poultry | mature cheeses | earthy risottos

When to drink: Keep up to 5 years

Service temperature: 18°C | 64°F

Langmiel The Blacksmith Cabernet Sauviognon Barossa Valley $30

Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Description: Deep, brilliant crimson red, with long lasting blueberry and blackcurrant flavors. At its peak, brings a refreshing note of menthol and black olive. Complex, and definitely full-bodied enough to stand up to rich and hearty dishes.

Comment: A solidly structured wine, aptly named for a blacksmith named Christian Auricht who emigrated to the Barossa in 1834. It receives two years of oak in 20% new French oak barrels.

Food pairing: hearty pastas | pizza | lamb | bbq

When to drink: Wait at least 2 years after release, and keep for up to 10

Service temperature: 18°C | 64°F

On the Market: Australian Cabernet Sauvignon

86 Checkered Cab Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $10

86 Alice White Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $7

85 Wyndham Estate Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $9

85 Reynolds Cabernet Sauvignon New South Wales $8

85 Lindemans Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $10

85 Bulletin Place Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $8

93 Langmeil The Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $20

91 Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $20

91 Longview Devils Elbow Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Adelaide Hills $20

91 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $20

90 West Cape Howe Book Ends Cabernet Sauvignon Great Southern $20

90 Water Wheel Cabernet Sauvignon Bendigo $19

90 Wakefield Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley $17

90 Mawson's Hill Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon Wrattonbully $15

90 Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $17

90 D'Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $19

89 Razor's Edge Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $12

89 Lake Breeze Follett Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek $20

89 Craneford Allyson Parsons Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $18

89 Ballast Stone Estate Wines Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $15

89 9 Mile Road Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $15

88 Tatachilla Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $16

88 Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $16

88 Plantagenet Omrah Cabernet Sauvignon Western Australia $15

88 Nugan Family Estates Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $14

88 Nick Faldo Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $15

88 Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $13

88 Heartland Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek- Limestone Creek $17

88 Cuttaway Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Southern Highlands $13

88 Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $19

87 West Cape Howe CabernetSauvignon Western Australia $19

87 Sticks Cabernet Sauvignon Yarra Valley $17

87 Rosemount Hill of Gold Cabernet Sauvignon Mudgee $17

87 Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon Fleurieu Peninsula $12

87 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $11

87 Mandu Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $12

87 Long Flat Destinations Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $15

87 Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $20

87 Craneford Allyson Parsons Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $17

87 Coriole Redstone Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $20

87 Climbing Cabernet Sauvignon Orange $14

87 Angus The Bull Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $18

87 Angove's Vineyard Select Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $20

86 Yellow Tail The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $11

86 Rosemount Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $12

86 Red Mud Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $15

86 McWilliam's Hanwood Estate Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $12

86 Mad Fish Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon Western Australia $14

86 Ceravolo Cabernet Sauvignon Adelaide Plains $19

85 Yalumba The Y Series Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $11

85 Stonehaven Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $12

93 Mitchell Sevenhill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley $28

92 Evans & Tate The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $30

92 Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $30

91 Wayne Thomas Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $22

91 Tapestry Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $22

91 Shingleback Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $22

91 Leconfield Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $30

91 Lake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek $22

91 Jenke Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa $29

91 Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon Great Southern $21

91 Fox Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $30

90 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $30

90 Stanley Lambert Thoroughbred Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $25

90 Schild Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa $24

90 Rosemount Show Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $24

90 Richard Hamilton Hut Block Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $22

90 Punt Road Cabernet Sauvignon Yarra Valley $22

90 Kangarilla Road Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $22

90 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $21

90 Elderton Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa $26

89 Watershed Awakening Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $25

89 Toa Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $25

89 Strathewen Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Yarra Valley $30

89 Steve Hoff Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $28

89 Hugh Hamilton The Villain Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $24

89 Balgownie Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Bendigo $25

88 West Cape Howe Book Ends Cabernet Sauvignon Western Australia $21

88 Tait Wines Basket Pressed Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $30

88 Katnook Estate Founder's Block Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $25

88 Ferngrove Majestic Cabernet Sauvignon Frankland River $24

88 Evans & Tate The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $30

87 Shottesbrooke Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $23

86 Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon Great Southern $25

93 John's Blend Individual Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek $50

93 Grant Burge Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $50

92 The Colonial Estate Etranger Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $33

92 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $45

91 Warrabilla Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherglen $45

91 Wakefield Estate St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley $50

91 Peter Lehmann Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa $38

91 Jacob's Creek St. Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $33

90 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $45

90 Shingleback D Block Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $50

90 Old School Graduates Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $40

90 Lunar Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $47

89 Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $45

89 The Colonial Estate Etranger Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $35

89 Dutschke Sami Two Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa-Langhorne Creek $35

88 Wolf Blass Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek $32

88 Knappstein Enterprise Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley $40

88 Dalwhinnie Moonambel Cabernet Sauvignon Victoria $50

88 Bremerton Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek $45

88 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $32

86 Shottesbrooke Punch Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $39

86 Pearson Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley $37

93 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River $75

93 Rockford Rifle Range Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $53

92 Noon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $55

92 Clarendon Hills Sandown Cabernet Sauvignon Clarendon $65

92 Clarendon Hills Brookman Cabernet Sauvignon Clarendon $75

92 Katnook Estate Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $60

92 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Cabernet Sauvignon Clarendon $75

92 Elderton Ashmead Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa $79

92 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $88

92 Jim Barry First Eleven Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $60

92 Henschke Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon Eden Valley $100

91 Penley Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra $65

90 Warrabilla Parola's Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherglen $60

90 Mitolo Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $57

90 Wirra Wirra Dead Ringer Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $60

89 D'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale $65

86 Wyndham Estate Bin 444 Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia $98

97 Penfolds Block 42 Kalimna Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $225

93 Jim Barry The Benbournie Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley $140

91 Branson Coach House Greenock Coach House Block Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $105

90 Noon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia $120

89 Two Hands Aphrodite Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley $159

Australian Cabernet Sauvignon

Overview

Related Articles

Australian Cabernet Quick Pick Guide:

On the Market: Australian Cabernet Sauvignon

Recent Australian Cabernet News: