Haselgrove Protector McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

When it comes to the name, ‘Protector’, we are still dealing with Hazel twigs and the mythical beliefs of protection they can offer. The fruit came from two discrete sites in McLaren Vale. After fermentation, it was pressed into a mix of new and older French oak for sixteen months maturation. Dark maroon hue. The nose reveals plenty of oak influence, but it is integrating well, and the wine will be even better in twelve months. There are notes of chocolate, blackcurrants, cold tea, bergamot, dried herbs, bay leaves and coffee grinds, but it is the chocolate which is to the fore. The wine is balanced, with impressive length and sleek tannins. There is serious promise here and we can expect this to drink beautifully for the next eight to ten years.