A fairly recent addition to the Brand’s Laira range after being acquired by Casella Family Brands a few years ago. From 2022 vintage on, Brooke Blair is Lead Winemaker.  

Brand’s Laira, The Clipper, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawara, 2017

Deep garnet colour. Blackberry jam, pouch tobacco, coconutty oak, “Throatie” lolly dark/sweet herb, mossy earth, char, old eucalyptus leaves and coffee grounds. Waxy palate with silty, pervasive tannin and wan fruit. A small flourish of acidity to attempt freshness at the finish but it leaves things a little tart. Perfectly fine for BBQed meats or mushroom schnitzel. 

RRP: $15.99
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 17.25/20 (88/100)

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