HUGH HAMILTON VILLAIN CABERNET 2018

Appearance: Bright ruby

Nose: A compelling perfume of roses, cherry wood, and incense

Palate: Char, roses and Darjeeling tea. A fine texture as of emery

Food Pairing: Porcini crusted Rib Eye will do nicely.

About the wine: Renowned as one of the world’s great red grapes, Cabernet arguably finds its greatest expression in the maritime climate of Bordeaux. McLaren Vale is warmer and drier, but shares those maritime conditions. Cabernet is characterized by small, dark, tough skinned berries, which produce long-lived wines of intense colour and firm tannins.

Winemakers notes: The Cabernet from the Black Sheep Block is lighter on its feet, having more high tone perfume and exotic spices. Comparatively, the Cabernet grown at Cellar Block tends more toward weight and texture. Careful blending of the two blocks produces a wine of both presence and elegance. This is the Villain.

Country: McLaren Vale, Australia

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 14.5%