Wines to try

Classic Beauty: Cabernet Sauvignon

A good cabernet is definitely worth rocking the good glasses out for.

Fun facts:

  1. Cabernet sauvignon has been grown in Bordeaux, France, since at least 1600AD; and
  2. Cabernet sauvignon only exists because at some point in the mists of time, cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc did the wild thing in the woods somewhere.

If you've been struggling to get back into the idea of cabernet after some less-than-luscious experiences back in the 80s and 90s, then get the good glassware out, because cabernet is back, and it's better than before. Thanks to our access to high-quality modern plant material that's more suited to New Zealand's regional diversity, alongside increased winemaking skill and (dare we say it) a touch of global warming, we're experiencing a massive elevation in the quality of local cabernet sauvignon in the marketplace. The cabernets coming across the ditch from Australia are also powerfully flavoursome.

Cabernet sauvignon descriptors: blueberry / blackcurrant / menthol / eucalypt / pepper / bay leaf / cocoa / leather / plum / tobacco leaf.

Wines to try:

St Hallett Gamekeeper's Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon, RRP $19.99, 750ml

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, RRP $16,99, 750ml

Church Road McDonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon, RRP $28.99, 750ml