The longstanding custodians of Bethany, the Schrapel family are now involved in management and guidance. Lovely packaging. Alex MacClelland is the winemaker. 18 months maturation in French oak (around 45% new).

Bethany, Blue Quarry, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley, 2021

Deep inky opaque in colour. Malty chocolate (Milo™? Ovaltine™?) and bramble before blackberry jam on hot buttered toast, gun flint, cedar, tobacco ash, mixed peel fruit/tea cake, lanolin, black cherry and pencilly graphite. Carries that fleshiness that BV Cabernet can: black cherry and blackberry jam smears, moist chocolate cake with a fine mesh of ripe, yet broad tannins. Topped with cedar and tobacco spice, it just misses some focus for higher scores. Serve with juicy rosemary and garlic roast lamb shoulder.

RRP: $45
Alc: 14.2%
Rating: 90/100

Wine sample courtesy of Bethany Wines