Aramis Wines McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
- 92
- $22
- Drink by: 2025-2033
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Some seriously good value drinking to be had here. Warm climate Cabernet Sauvignon is not everyone’s cup of tea (or should that be glass of red), but if you put aside the fact that it will never replicate Bordeaux or Marg River, or other famous Cab regions, and simply focus on the fact that these wines can provide delicious drinking, you won’t go wrong. The fruit comes from estate vineyards in the southern parts of McLaren Vale and saw a year and a half maturation in a combination of tanks and older French oak barrels. 2022 is a very fine vintage in the region, which also helps. An opaque maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, tobacco leaves, dried herbs, blackcurrants, cocoa powder, coffee beans and licorice. A seamless texture is matched with serious intensity, a seductive texture, sleek tannins, bright acidity and a flick of well handled oak. The palate sees the emergence of notes of cloves, axle grease and earthy tones. This has at least a good eight years ahead of it. What is not to like?
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
