One of the perennial well priced Cabernet favourites for the masses. The “Blockers’ were landholders who sold their grapes to larger wineries in the 1950s and 60s, and so named for Eric Brand, one of the original Blockers. From 2022 vintage on, Brooke Blair is Lead Winemaker.  

Brand’s Laira, Blockers, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawara, 2017

Deep garnet colour. Earthy and varietal Cabernet aromas: Blackberry compote and cassis with turned mossy earth, sweeter “Mint Slice” chocolate biscuit, some crushed regional eucalypt, pencils, malt and oaky wood char. Medium bodied with Coonawarra writ large. Dusty, elegant pervasive, drying tannins underscoring the bright blackberry fruit with a sneaky vanilla oak kiss. A wine that knows its target market: 5 years old and it probably hasn’t shifted an inch.  

RRP: $28
Alc: 14%
Rating: 17.75/20 (91/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Brand’s Laira, part of Casella Family Brands