GIORGIO MELETTI CAVALLARI Impronte, BOLGHERI Superiore rosso D.O.C

More lifted than its Coonawarra cousins, the Leasingham Classic Clare Cabernet has concentrated characters of blackcurrant, cooking spice and Old Gold chocolate. A standout of the Clare Valley.

When it comes to points, this prestigious Napa Valley blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is a centurion many times over. It’s the crown jewel in Dalla Valle’s shimmering portfolio, with quality and grace of an almost unrivalled pedigree. But that’s not even the best part. Maya’s Vineyard was planted to celebrate the birth of Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle’s daughter in 1986. As fate would have it, Maya grew up to become one of America’s most promising young winemakers, continuing the remarkable legacy of her parent’s winery.

Cape Mentelle has a rich history of exceptional quality and consistency with Cabernet Sauvignon, from a pioneering producer in Margaret River in the early 1970s to a benchmark winery today. A full-bodied wine with intense blue and black berry preserves on entry, followed by tobacco, savoury and gamey layers, all framed by firm, ripe tannins creating a complex wine of length.

Bright plum in colour, Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon displays delicate notes of mint and blackcurrant, with a more savory bouquet of semi-dried tomatoes and fruit chutney at the end. A hint of oak and spice adds extra warmth. On the palate a flavour-wheel of spearmint, milo powder, chocolate and black liquorice.