Berton Vineyards have their home in the working horse vinous heartland of NSW’s Riverina, but they have their heart in holdings across the border in South Australia between the Barossa and Eden Valley, which is where it all started for them.

Berton Vineyards, “The Bonsai,” Shiraz/Cabernet, High Eden 2012

Not to be confused with Darenberg Bonsai Vine

Jokingly named after the appearance of the struggling vines from the High Eden vineyard. Rosemary herbs and formic acid (black ants). White pepper over syrupy blackcurrant “Ultra C” cordial. Black stones and camphor wood spice.

Spicy and prickly. Plenty of toffee and burnt caramel oak over Blackcurrant pastilles, dark Kalamata olive tapenade and brown-spiced stewed plums. Thick and inky. Finishes smoky with gravelly tannins and on the slightly hot side. Opulent and borders on a balance issue of too high ABV to match the naturally more savoury Eden Cabernet.

RRP: $40

Alc: Accompanying Tech sheet: 14.76%

Label: 14.5%

Berton Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, High Eden 2012

Stains the glass purple as it oozes down the side. Deep blackcurrant and cassis, bordering on Liqueur. HB Pencil lacquer, liquorice and sweet oak. Heady stuff indeed. The palate brings more concentrated blackcurrant syrup, driving through to a green edged tobacco leafy character. Tightly packed in for the moment with framing sandy tannins that stick to the roof of your mouth that you need to muscle off with a strong tongue like a tiger taking the last of the sinew from the bone.

RRP: $30

Alc: Accompanying Tech sheet: 14.7%

Label: 14.5%

Samples courtesy of Berton Vineyards