From the ominously sounding Omensetter Vineyard, the estate vineyard for Brash Higgins. French Oak maturation: 15% in 1 year, 45% 2-3 year and 40% in older.

Brash Higgins, CBSV, Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, 2016

An earthy expression of Cabernet from McLaren Vale, with choc/beetroot cake and mint chocolate slice dominating the nose before steely blue and black fruit underscored with tea-chest aromas. Intensely spiced, intensely constructed. This isn’t a slovenly, flabby choc-love thing. Fruit goes to sloe berries and bramble while the tannins are velvety, all encompassing, like a blanket thrown over the picnic basket. The alcohol reads high, but doesn’t singe. Beautifully made.

RRP: $39
Alc: 14.8%
Rating: 18.25/20

Wine sample courtesy of Brash Higgins