D’Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale, Australia) 2021, 14.5% ABV
Widely available, expect to pay around twenty euro. This bottle was purchased at Bradley's.
The Characteristics Scream Cabernet.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a giant among grapes, and this particular expression from down under perfectly illustrates its intensity and happy habit of growing well in so many places around the globe.
Though Australian winemaking has quite a long history, it is best known as a modern, innovative country. The fruit for this one comes from a 1912 Osborn family vineyard, and the production includes an early gentle crushing and foot-treading undertaken two-thirds of the way through fermentation. The wine is then basket pressed and transferred to old French oak barriques to complete fermentation. The barrel ferments are aged on lees, and there is no racking until final blending. No fining or filtration.
So quite traditional! And the results are good; the producers are very happy with it: “The Characteristics Screams Cabernet. The bouquet displays red cherry, bay leaf, spices and a hint of black pepper. A palate of blackcurrant, cedar, paprika and leafy notes tell the story of classic McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon. The multitude of welcoming, fine tannins leave you wanting more. A serious Cabernet for the price that can be enjoyed anytime with pleasure and confidence.”
Like all Sauvignon Cabernets, it pairs well with a variety of food. Cheese, of the harder variety, is often mentioned. Luckily, I had been to Iago's (Cork) earlier in the day and had bought a wedge of Hegarty’s Ballinvarrig Cheddar and it turned out to be the perfect match.
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