Fat Bastard Malbec
Medium purple hue. Ripe blackberry & black cherry with hints of fresh tobacco. Upfront, it is all juicy and dark fruited - ripe plum, tangy blueberry with a touch of ribena sweetness - but to follow, a hint of smoky cured meatiness and fine chalky tannin serve to make the finish savoury yet muy refrescante. Fermented in open stainless steel vats on skins for 14 days. Gentle pressing off skins via airbag press. The brainchild of Guy Anderson and Thierry Boudinaud, Fat Bastard Wines came into being via an exclamation, "Now that is what you call a Fat Bastard!" The comment came in response to a barrel of experimental Chardonnay that Thierry had left on lees for an extended maturation. Both Guy and Thierry felt that the wines had to be shared with the world, and so Fat Bastard Wines was born. Now, the pair work with wineries and vineyards from all over the world, sourcing fruit and juice from a myriad different regions and countries. But one factor remains the same: they make unapologetically full-bodied wines, packed with flavour and vibrancy.
Taylors Cabernet Sauvignon
This Clare Valley Cabernet from Taylors shows ample varietal blackcurrant flavour seasoned with some attractive sweet oak. The tannins are firm but nicely in balance.
Brand's Laira Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon
The Brand's Laira Blockers Cabernet is a Coonawarra red with classic varietal definition. The nose shows cedar, red berry and tobacco notes. The palate is rich, long and beautifully texturally structured. A multi-award winner, the Blockers can be enjoyed now or cellared in the medium term.
The Waxed Bat Reserve
"Big and gold, lots of chocolaty plum fruit, cassis, tobacco, liquorice. An extremely polished effort" (Decanter World Wine Awards). The legendary Opi Sadler has triumphed again! His Waxed Bat Reserve edition had taken Gold and Platinum medals, then Best in Show Trophy at the highly prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. That was beating 17,000 other wines from around the world. Perhaps it should be of no surprise when we know it has so much intense ripe black fruit and creamy oak. It clearly shows that Malbec and Cabernet from Argentina's high altitude Mendoza region is a match made in heaven. Even better when the wines are aged in barrel, too. It's a sumptuous mouthfilling red, smooth enough to drink solo but at its very best with garlic studded roast lamb, a juicy steak or a warming casserole. Decant early if you can.
Sister's Run Malbec
Angove Organic Shiraz Cabernet
The grapes for this sibling to the organic Chardonnay are sourced from Angove's own Organically certified Nanya vineyards and premium certified Organic growers in the Riverland region. The result is a versatile, vibrant and spicy yet easy to drink red full of dark fruit and soft oak flavours, with a long yet soft, earthy finish.
Annie's Lane Cabernet Merlot
Ripe and generous, the leafy, minty characters of Cabernet are complemented by the softness and plummy fruit coming from the Merlot. A nice touch of sweet oak completes the picture.
Wynns The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon
A relatively new addition to the Wynns stable to compliment the Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Merlot and the Coonawarra Shiraz, The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon brings lovely varietal and regional character in a Cabernet that is approachable on release, but also benefits from a few years in the medium term cellar. According to chief winemaker, Sue Hodder, The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon aims to deliver a leading affordable Cabernet that showcases exceptional varietal and region characteristics of red cherry, mint and dark berry flavours, while an array of gentle tannins will further reward from short to medium term cellaring.
Grant Burge Cameron Vale Cabernet Sauvignon
Produced from 30 year old vines situated in the southern end of the Barossa Valley the Cameron Vale Cabernet shows pronounced mint and blackcurrant flavours. Cellar for 3 - 5 years.
Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is classic Coonawarra all the way. Smells of mint and blackcurrant, tastes of cassis and mocha. Over two years in wood, and time in bottle soften the tannins leaving just a gentle grip. A bargain at this price!