Beresford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

By now, most wine lovers will be all too aware that 2021 was a stellar vintage in regions like McLaren Vale. Anyone without a good representation in their cellar should move quickly to rectify that (and those who have been wise could do worse than replenish or add to their stash) as they won’t hang around forever. This cracking Cab is a fine place to start. 20% of the final blend spent three years maturing in older American oak hogsheads, with a further 30% spending its time in new French oak. An inky dark maroon hue, the nose gives us notes of chocolate, dried herbs, bay leaves, cold tea, coffee grinds and blackberries. There is oak evident, but it is deftly handled and adds a pleasing vanillin touch to the final wine. Already delicious, this has at least another ten to fifteen years ahead of it. Be in no rush to open yours. The wine has a line of juicy acidity, sleek tannins, very good length and some serious persistence on the finish. Lots to like here.