Notes of mint and five-spice are evident on a sturdily constructed palate of black olive, herbs and dark fruits alongside fine, ripe tannins that will support the development of additional character and complexity if cellared.

Continuing the tradition of rich full bodied Clare reds this Cabernet Sauvignon shows ripe blackberry aromas and generous flavour with a touch of cedary oak and fine tannins.

Dollar for dollar, wines such as this truly are remarkable value. Soft, round with flavours of ripe plums, blackcurrant and a finely grained mouthfeel.

Leconfield's Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship of Leconfield and a classic Coonawarra Cabernet. Blackcurrant aromas are combined with cedary oak and the palate is laden with sweet berry fruit balanced by fine lingering tannins. Paul Gordon has taken this classic beauty to even greater heights in recent years as its award history can attest.

The Bin 389 style evolved as a result of experiments, by Max Schubert, in the 1950s to develop a highly individual wine using a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with compatible oak treatment. Bin 389 combines the elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Shiraz and demonstrates the traditional Penfolds' trademark - balance between fruit and oak, giving the wine character and longevity.

Pete Bissell from Balnaves consistently produces Cabernet of highest order and this little beauty that falls under the $20 mark is just perfect as a cellar starter. Gentle mintiness on the nose. Dusty tannins frame a fantastic medium weighted structured wine. Lovely fruit intensity terrific with BBQ lamb or all on its own.

The Bethany Cabernet Merlot from the Schrapel family's Bethany winery exhibits herbal blackberry and cherry flavours with subtle oak in the background. Drinking well now, but also can handle a little bit of medium term cellaring to really coax those soft, ripe tannins to infuse beautifully with its primary fruit.

From one of Margaret River's best and original producers, Vasse Felix comes this excellent Cabernet Merlot blend has great concentration of blackcurrant fruit with cedary oak and fine tannins - a style with elegance and finesse rather than power.

A typically elegant Yarra Cabernet. The nose shows cassis and blackberry aromas with subtle cedary oak and the palate has a silky mouthfeel with sweet berry flavours and a lovely lingering finish.

Katnook is a beacon for quality in Coonawarra for many a decade. Their Cabernet is their flagship that has a rich and elegant bouquet with aromas of cedary blackcurrant. Supported by well integrated toasty oak while the palate shows long fine varietal flavours.