2017 Sexy Beast McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon Two Hands

McLaren Vale cabernet is an outlier. The semi-arid maritime region boasts a distinct Mediterranean climate out of synch, at least supposedly, with cab's maturation patterns. And yet there is always a je ne sais quoi freshness amidst the inky warmth. There are inevitably strong varietal reference points from the black currant, spearmint and sage. A warmer black olive and salt bush note, too, rears amidst it all, but the result is satisfying, rich and nourishing, at its best. This is no exception.

The classically styled 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Sexy Beast features hints of mint and cocoa on the nose, alongside cassis and baking spices. It's medium to full-bodied, with a certain amount of varietal reserve, meaning it doesn't completely fill the mouth or coat the palate like Shiraz but shows a crisp, linear and well-defined finish. 2019 - 2027.