This is the current release of Hardy’s icon level Cabernet Sauvignon, that was snuck in along side the impending new 2017 release. The label has Coonawarra as prime, but Nigel Sneyd MW (who has taken over as Chief Winemaker after Paul Lapsley’s retirement) advises there’s a dash of Margaret River (5%) fruit in the mix as well.

Hardy’s, Thomas Hardy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, 2014

Still very youthful deep garnet in colour. Reams of blackberry fruit with a lifted red fruit edge. Deeper coffee/mocha with earthy elements, plenty of mint and a touch of meaty complexity. Lean and tight fruit profile with round, cotton wool mouth-filling tannins and an echo of milk chocolate oak. The wine presents very primary under the screwcap and seems to be in no hurry to go anywhere. Come back in 5 years time.

RRP: $164
Alc: 14%
Rating: 18.5/20 (94/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Accolade Wines