2018 Tahbilk Eric Stevens Purbrick Cabernet, Nagambie Lakes

Some years it's the ESP shiraz that shines the brightest, and some years it is the ESP cabernet. The 2018 vintage was such a year for cabernet, producing impressive depth of flavour, concentration and above all, elegance. Leafy, black fruit, clove, anise and sweet earth scents. Boasts depth, length and firm line as fine tannins guide the palate, embracing intense fruit, spice and a touch of cigar box complexity. Drink to 2035.

96 points Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion (Special Value), August 2022

Tahbilk is Victoria's oldest family-owned winery, with vineyards to 1860 farmed since 1925 by the Purbrick family. Fifth generation Hayley Purbrick continues that work today with General Manager Joanne Nash.

Located within Nagambie Lakes wine region, the 300ha estate vineyards are planted in iron oxide rich soils and surrounded by the Tabilk-Tabilk wetlands. These are an integral part of the estate and believed to have a significant moderating effect to the warmth of the surrounding Goulburn Valley.

The 2018 vintage was close to ideal in the region: dry and warm days throughout the season, with cooler nights prolonging the even ripening. Released only in exceptional years, the Eric Stevens Purbrick wines are barrel selections representing the best of Tahbilk.

Fermented in Tahbilk’s original 150+ year old open vats and matured largely in well-seasoned large oak vessels. A small portion was matured in a mixture of French and American barriques and blended back with the rest ahead of filtering and bottling.

Deep leafy aromas of dark fruit and warm spice lead to a full-bodied palate that is deep and plush with dark fruit surrounded by spice and cedar. Long, with a notable line of fine tannins.

Enjoy with smoked grilled bamboo shoots with a black garlic and tamari glaze, highly marbled wagyu sirloin with mushroom jus, or duck En Croûte.