2019 Majella The Malleea Cabernet Shiraz, Coonawarra

Black raspberry, red cherry and pomegranate. Burdock root, crushed cumin and pulled paperbark stripped from the tree. Nutmeg and cinnamon. Fresh bay leaf, oregano and pepperberry. The silkiest of palates with ripe red fruit flowing down the centre, wrapped in cabernet berries that weave in and out. A mocha coffee and carob sweetness with a touch of anise and tobacco pouch. Such a grateful palate; it's a dream of a vintage, this one.

95 points Shanteh Wale winecompanion.com.au

Majella The Malleea Cabernet Shiraz from Coonawarra is a bold, polished powerhouse that brings together two of Australia’s most iconic grapes in classic style. Crafted from estate-grown fruit on the region’s famed terra rossa soils, this is Majella’s flagship red—a blend that captures both the finesse of Cabernet and the plush depth of Shiraz, in perfect balance.

The Majella team, led by winemaker Bruce Gregory, has long been known for their meticulous vineyard work and their commitment to traditional winemaking. The Malleea is only produced in exceptional vintages, and everything about it is dialed up—low yields, small-batch fermentation, and aging in top-quality French oak for two years to add structure and elegance.

It opens with an intense mix of blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry, layered with cocoa, cedar, bay leaf and a hint of cigar box. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and opulent, with velvety tannins, integrated oak, and a long finish that hums with black fruit, spice and earthy complexity. It’s rich, but never heavy—just beautifully put together.

Best served with the kind of meals that match its presence: slow-roasted lamb shoulder, dry-aged steak, or a hearty mushroom and lentil pie. It’s also built to last—10 to 15 years in the cellar will only deepen its charm.