In the countdown for the annual Top 100 Red wines, I am featuring some of the cabernets that were in the ix for selection.
They come from different regions – Margaret River, Frankland River, and the Central Victoria and each shows distinctive regional as well as varietal characteristics.
At this price range of between $20 and $25 I am looking for wines that show a more ready to drink structure and fruit intensity than at some of the higher priced areas Sure they need firmish tannins and a decent lick of oak, but the fruit should be slightly more opulent and generous.
The three featured this week, meeting those criteria and provide excellent current drinking as well as being suited to keeping for a few years.
The West’s annual Top 100 Red Wine guide will be published in a special liftout in the West on Thursday 22 July. As well readers will have the opportunity to win 100 bottles from the tasting. It is an edition not to be missed.
Paul Conti Margaret River cabernet sauvignon 2018 ($22)
A nice cabernet from Margs and from this super vintage. Blackcurrant and dark thick chocolate with a subtle understated leafiness. It’s smooth and medium bodied with the addition of a small amount of malbec adding the floral notes and palate completeness. What great value for a quality wine for drinking over the next few years while all those primary characters are well to the fore.
Score: 92/100 Cellar: 6 years
Tahbilk cabernet sauvignon 2018 ($24)
This most impressive cabernet comes from one of Australia’s most historic wineries on the banks of the Goulburn River in Central Victoria. This one is typical of the style. It’s quite firm through the core but with generous dark chocolate and black fruit flavours wrapped around. Firmish tannins complete the picture of an immaculately structured and presented cabernet. 91/00
Ferngrove Black Label cabernet sauvignon 2019 ($22)
A medium bodied cabernet displaying strong varietal characters. Fragrant leaf and black fruits. The medium wight fruit driven palate has a chalky tannin fine oak support. Hard to fault in this price category.
Score: 90/100 Cellar: 5 years
Content thanks to the West Australian – Weekend Magazine – Lifestyle
