Hewitson The Dorrien Bank Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Through a boundary realignment with its neighbour in 2019, Hewitson acquired 3 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon that was planted in 1996. When Barossa Cabernet is done right, it’s done so very well. Deeply opaque with a bright rim. Concentrated cassis, chocolate coated raspberries, bluestone, mocha, molasses, liquorice, large-leafed mint, pencil graphite, roasting pan juices, pickled walnuts and a hint of mossy earthiness. Deeply flavoured with a focus of black and red fruit, carried by a tightly knitted weave of powdery tannin. Handsome, with dark umami nuances and exceptional length and persistence of flavour. The oak is sweet, but the fruit handles it well. An excellent example of the variety for the region.

Regan Drew

Regan is a regular wine columnist for the News Regional Media "Weekend" Magazine and digital "Life" sections. A graduate of the Australian Wine Research Institute's Advanced Wine Assessment Course #47 he was awarded with Distinction WSET Level 3 in Wine & Spirits, has been an Associate Judge for the New South Wine Awards plus a couple of little stints helping out in the Hunter Valley and Tasmania during vintages with small but quality winemakers.