Clarendon Hills ‘Sandown’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Clarendon Hills, founded by Roman Bratasiuk, is renowned for producing high-quality, single-vineyard wines that highlight McLaren Vale’s unique terroirs. The ‘Sandown’ Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a low-yielding vineyard with sandy loam soils, providing a distinct mineral character to the wine. Known for its focused, elegant style, this Cabernet offers a balance of rich fruit and structured tannins, with an emphasis on purity and expression of place. The 2018 vintage was particularly strong, with ideal conditions producing wines of great concentration and balance.

Appearance: Deep garnet with a dark, opaque core, showing the concentration and richness typical of McLaren Vale Cabernet.

Aroma: Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry dominate the nose, layered with notes of eucalyptus, mint, and dried herbs. Subtle hints of cedar, graphite, and dark chocolate come through, reflecting well-integrated oak aging.

Taste: Full-bodied and intense, with ripe black fruit flavours—blackcurrant, plum, and cassis—complemented by earthy undertones of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of pencil shavings. The wine is structured with firm, refined tannins that give it depth and a silky texture. A refreshing acidity lifts the fruit, balancing the richness and keeping the wine lively on the palate. Oak aging adds a touch of spice, vanilla, and dark chocolate, but remains subtle, allowing the fruit to shine.

Finish: Long and refined, with lingering dark fruit, herbal notes, and a mineral edge that reflects the vineyard's sandy soils. The tannins are polished and smooth, providing an elegant, lasting finish with great potential for aging.

Food Pairing: This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, where the tannins and herbal notes complement the savoury richness of the meat. It would also work beautifully with braised beef short ribs, where the wine’s structure and dark fruit balance the richness and depth of the dish.