Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can be hard to get ripe in Tasmania, but when they are blended well from fruit grown by a legendary viticulturalist, it can be quite special. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, aged for 12 months in new and older French oak.

Bream Creek, Cabernet Merlot, Tasmania, 2018

Bright and varietal. Full of pencil shavings, blackcurrant, soaked cherries, leafy bramble, cedary oak spice and a hint of Chesterfield couch. Svelte and full. The tannins solid, tight, pervasive and drying. Serious and darkly fruited but carrying signature Tasmanian acidity for freshness and tension. A match to braised beef cheeks now or will develop well in the medium term.

RRP: $36
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 18/20 (92/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Bream Creek Vineyard