Sixty Second Swirl by Brent Lello, Yass Valley Times Wine Columnist
There is no doubt in my mind that Cabernet Sauvignon is rapidly catching up to Shiraz as the Yass Valley region’s superstar red grape variety. The overall quality of the classic cool climate Cabernet produced in the region has improved to the extent that as wine-drinking punters, we are virtually guaranteed a delicious drop every time. This might be due to the increased knowledge of how the variety is best grown in this region, the enhanced nuances of the winemaker’s wands or the maturity of the vines themselves. Most likely it’s a combination of all these things.
Whatever the case, Cabernet drinkers in the region are well catered for. One of the best local Cabernets to strut its stuff is this week’s “swirl” – the Shaw Wines Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.
The colour of this classic Cabernet is a beautiful garnet magenta colour in the glass. A swirl reveals rich aromas of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry and mulberry with a lovely lift of dried herbs along with the classic cool climate spice notes of clove and star anise.
The palate is luxuriously mouth-filling, coating the tongue with sweet black fruit flavours and plush tannins, leading to a long and lingering finish. This is quality stuff.
I’m a super-sucker for Cabernet with steak so we enjoyed our bottle with a chargrilled, grass-fed, rib eye fillet of beef – a stunning combination – but this would go well with any slow braised or chargrilled beef or lamb dish. I got mine as part of my cellar club dozen, but you can call and see the wonderful Shaw Wines team at their award-winning cellar door or buy for $36 online.
