Selected from the best 32 rows in the higher climes of Eden Valley. Gets the CT winemaking standard: Grapes are destemmed but not crushed, seven days on skins in open fermenters with regular hand plunging. Basket pressed before maturation in a combination of new and older French oak barrels for 18 months. Winemaker is Jeremy Ottawa.

Château Tanunda, The Château, Cabernet Sauvignon, Eden Valley, 2022

Deep garnet, near opaque. Blackcurrant, torn mint, chocolate and cedar with a little tobacco ash, black cherry, pastille and olive. Some freshly turned earth gives a savoury base. Firm, centered tannin giving spine to dark and red fruits. It’s a little slick and warm, but a leafy coda and chocolatey goodness give it charm.

RRP: $40
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 92/100

Wine sample courtesy of Chateau Tanunda and Blend PR