Xanadu Stevens Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

A fresh, clean, aromatic cabernet from one of its Australian soul homes. Breathe in the violet, lavender, leaf, black berries, so lifted, so autumn-like, so ready for an impending winter spent indoors with roast lamb, maybe a medium-rare steak and, for the vegetarians, pumpkin and chestnut pie. Tasting this wine gets the creative food juices working overtime.

But back to the wine . . . There are layers of sweet, juicy fruit including blackcurrant pastille, anise/liquorice to explore here together with a light savouriness and background toasted nuts. A little taste of peppermint is very regional. Beautifully integrated tannins and oak here, finishing long and fresh, Stevens Road is a joy to behold. I would drink it now to enjoy the fab primary fruit, but it could easily take time out in the cellar.