2018 Tim Adams Watervale Cabernet Malbec, Clare Valley

This delivers a bigger-boned red in a well-balanced way. Lots to get stuck into. The perfume is scented like black cherry, chocolate truffles, hazelnut, mint and stewed plum. Flavours lean into forest berries, plum, mocha and some faint malty characters, with firm, dusty tannins lending chew. All up, a pleasing, bold red of a winter-warmer ilk.

92 points Special Value MB winecompanion.com.au

Cabernet Sauvignon has long been recognised as an excellent variety in Clare Valle district. By co-fermenting small parcels of outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, Tim Adams has produced a powerful, full bodied wine. Twenty-four months in new French oak provides spice and balance to the wine, which is dominated by fresh blackcurrant, capsicum and violet flower aromas and flavours.

Further tank and bottle ageing prior to release has melded all wine components to further enhance the prestige of this wine. Patient cellaring will be rewarded, with potential to improve up to 20 years if cellared in good conditions.