Hugh Hamilton The Villain Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Contrary to what we are often told, Cabernet Sauvignon can do very well in warmer climes, like McLaren Vale. The team describe some of the characters they see in their wine and include, ‘petrichor’, which sounds more like a lesser monster in a Godzilla movie, but actually means an “earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil”. It is fine descriptor for the region’s Cab. This wine is deep maroon in colour, with aromas including plummy notes and blackberries, cassis, bell peppers and chocolate. There is a sweet core of coffee grinds and black cherries. Still youthful and with a long future, this is linear, focused with very good length, fine silky tannins and good balance throughout. Certainly enjoyable now, but will be even better as it ages over the next six to eight years