2021 Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon, Nagambie Lakes

The very essence of an Australian medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon – and that's a good thing! Everything is in its place, no jangly angles or unwieldy bits, just smooth-flowing black fruits, lively spice, signature Central Victorian bush briar leaf and a warm, woodsy, earthy embrace. Smart price, too. Drink to 2029.

92 points Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion (Special Value), June 2024

A mighty impressive value for money Cabernet from this famous producer. The aromas are subtle blackcurrant with an infusion of dried herbs and bay leaf with just a trace of nuanced black olive. The palate is medium-bodied and bright as a button while still retaining the essential structure of Cabernet. A nicely crafted wine. Drink to 2033.

92 points Ray Jordan for Wine Pilot, October 2024

Robust and giving on the nose, with aromas of blackcurrants, black olive tapenade and dried herbs. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with firmly integrated tannins and a generous mouthfeel, showing notes of wild blackberries, mulberry bush and baking spices. Very fresh. Drink or hold. 

92 points James Suckling, October 2024

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 2021 vintage was a favourable one for Victoria for white and red varieties alike. This Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented in Tahbilk’s original 150+ year old open vats and matured largely in well-seasoned large oak vessels that preserve fruit character without adding oak influence. A small portion was matured in a mixture of French and American barriques and blended back with the rest ahead of filtering and bottling.

Classic aromas of blackcurrant, dried herbs, bay leaf and olive tapenade lead to a medium-bodied and bright palate that echoes the nose. Generous in feel, with dark fruit, firm but integrated tannins, and warming oak derived spice notes.

Fire up the barbecue for a Mexican feast and enjoy the wine with charred Poblano style chillies stuffed with mozzarella, grilled mushroom tacos with chimichurri and steaks with charred spring onions and lime.