Balnaves Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Coonawarra, South Australia. Deep rich red in colour, the nose in intense with aromas of ripe cassis. Liquorice, and some spicy leather notes, combined with fine smokey French oak. The palate is solid and structured with a fine tannin finish. This wine will reward careful cellaring, and we recommend decanting before drinking.

From three vineyards, matured for 19 months in French oak from big-name coopers. A serious cabernet showing just what Coonawarra can do in a top vintage; it is intense, complex and packed with cassis/blackcurrant fruit, savoury tannins and positive oak. 96 points. James Halliday.

Immediately appealing for its perfume, a lock in through choc-mint, sage, dark berry, violet and liquorice (raspberry and salted) scents. Yum. The palate is supple, finely wrought, just juicy but shaded with very fine tannins. Flavours roll long, fine, floating on sweet fruit, cool acidity, sleek line of oak and a web of building tannin firmness. It’s a beautiful young wine but should mature with complete grace. Just so charming, and great drinking. 94 points. Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.