2021 Lake Breeze Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek

From estate-grown vines with an average age of 45yo, vinified in small open fermenters for 8-12 days, mlf, finished in French oak on lees. Matured in French barriques (35% new, 65% second fill). Includes 6/3% malbec/petit verdot, blended with the cabernet at 15 months, bottled unfined after 20 months in oak. 1800 dozen bottles made. Extraordinary price for so much work and use of French oak. That oak is somewhat obvious, simply needing a year or two to pull in behind the cassis/blackcurrant fruit. Already a high-quality wine with more in store.

95 points Special Value James Halliday winecompanion.com.au