Altus Rise Ascension Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Cab and Marg River – a match made in heaven – and this is a cracker. Deep red in colour, we have dark berries, blackcurrants and spice notes. It is more austere and structured than the Ascension Shiraz and for me, the better wine, though others may prefer the approachability of the Shiraz. Warm earth, cedar, a touch of chocolate and tobacco leaf flavours. Good focus here too, line and length, with good balance. Soft tannins tie up a lovely example of just what Cabernet can achieve here. A price of $40 makes it special value when compared to some of the region’s big names.