If this came from Italy, you’d put it in the category of a ‘Super Tuscan,’ those blends of traditional Italian varieties mixed up with mostly historical grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Here the blend is 88% Cabernet and 12% Sangiovese and only done in certain years (formerly labeled as The Missing Act). Winemaker Steve Webber is now joined in the shed with daughter Kate and part of the next gen wunderkinds Jai Harrop.

De Bortoli, La Bohème, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Yarra Valley, 2022

Deep ermine purple in colour. Fragrant: Dusty violets, bay leaf, black berry, black cherry, choc mint wafer, turned earth, vanilla tipped cigar, iodine and rose petals. Sharp cut through over tacky tannin. Black fruit, cherry lilt, medium bodied, cool earth and blue stone shadowed with a Sangiovese herbal echo. Restrained and a little linear. Lamb steaks for the perfect match,

RRP: $21.95
Alc: 13.5%
Rating: 91/100

Wine sample courtesy of De Bortoli