Reynella Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

McLaren Vale Cabernet from a great vintage. This might not offer the immediate and classical varietal characters one expects from Cabernet, but it does provide compelling evidence that warm climate Cab, in a top year, can be a superb drink. The wine spent time in the best French oak available with the colour still an opaque purple, suggesting that this is a younger wine than it is. That time in bottle has allowed for development, as gradual as it is, but also the emergence of complexity. We have notes of tobacco leaves, black fruits, a hint of campfire and warm earth. This falls into the savoury end of the spectrum. Plenty of grip here, firm tannins leading to an even firmer finish. A wine with balance and length, and excellent persistence. McLaren Vale Cab from a top year with some maturity. Excellent stuff and will drink well for at least the next six to eight years.