2018 Mitchell Sevenhill Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley

Pitch-perfect medium weight and set to the order of luncheon Claret, so often sought for ease of drinking and freshness. The wine is imbued with cassis, blueberry, gum leaf and woody spice. A subtle overlay of wheatiness is a touch distracting and pulls back the finesse of tannin, but that should settle in with even more time in bottle. All up, good complexity and varietal intent here. Very pleasing drinking.

93 points Special Value MB winecompanion.com.au

Sevenhill Cabernet Sauvignon from the Clare Valley is a rich, structured red that reflects the region’s combination of warm days, cool nights, and ancient soils — ideal conditions for growing Cabernet with depth, ripeness and fine natural acidity. As one of South Australia’s most historic producers, Sevenhill Cellars brings serious heritage to the glass. Founded in 1851 by Jesuits and still operated with deep community ties, their wines balance tradition with contemporary winemaking finesse.

The Cabernet fruit is grown on estate vineyards planted on red loam over clay and slate, which contributes to the wine’s backbone and longevity. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in small open fermenters before being matured in French oak barrels, typically for 18 to 24 months. The result is a wine that’s generous and full-bodied, yet retains clarity and regional freshness.

In the glass, it opens with classic varietal aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry, bay leaf and cedar, with hints of mint, dark chocolate and cigar box. The palate is powerful but poised — rich dark fruit wrapped in savoury tannins, balanced by bright acidity and integrated oak. It finishes long and firm, with subtle earth and graphite notes that make it unmistakably Clare.

Food pairing: Perfect with roast lamb and rosemary, beef Wellington, lentil and mushroom shepherd’s pie, or aged hard cheeses like cheddar and manchego.

Cellar potential: Will reward medium to long-term cellaring — best from now to 2035+, gaining complexity, tobacco leaf and earthy detail with time.