2019 Pertaringa Rifle & Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale

Before one starts thinking that this has been made for the NRA, the name is far more prosaic. The Pertaringa property sits at the corner of Rifle Range and Hunt Roads in McLaren Vale, not that the occasional conspiracy theory ever hurt sales! The wine spent twenty months in French oak, 30% of which was new. Dark maroon. The nose offers notes of dry herbs, bay leaves, spices, licorice, leather, bell peppers and blackberries. For me, not quite as refined as the Understudy but some will prefer this. The tannins are slightly more furry and gritty than with the Understudy. Certainly has great promise, will improve over the coming years so a decade will not trouble this wine.

94 points Ken Gargett Wine Pilot

From a historic McLaren Vale estate with roots stretching back to 1860, Pertaringa has long been a quiet achiever for classic, well priced reds. Revived by Geoff Hardy and now guided by winemaker Jeremy Ottaway, the focus is on varietal expression and regional character, with Cabernet Sauvignon playing a key role in the range. Rifle & Hunt is named after the original title of the property, a nod to its heritage and a wine that consistently delivers strong value.

McLaren Vale Cabernet tends to show a riper, more generous side compared to cooler regions, but with the influence of coastal breezes there is still enough freshness to keep things in balance.

Deep ruby in colour, the aromatics are open and inviting. Blackcurrant, plum and dark cherry lead, followed by bay leaf, a touch of mint and gentle spice. There is a soft herbal edge that gives it a bit of lift.

The palate is medium to full bodied, with dark fruit at the core supported by smooth, approachable tannins. A touch of oak adds spice and a hint of vanilla, while a line of acidity keeps the wine from feeling too broad. It finishes soft and satisfying, with a balance that makes it very easy to enjoy.

This is a natural fit for relaxed, hearty food. Grilled steaks, lamb chops or a rich beef pie all work beautifully, as do barbecue dishes where its ripe fruit can handle a bit of char.

Drinking well now and over the next five to eight years, making it a great option for both immediate enjoyment and short term cellaring.

There is a dependable charm here, a Cabernet that overdelivers for the price, offering plenty of flavour and a genuine sense of McLaren Vale.