2022 Oliver's Taranga DJ Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale

From the Old Block, planted in 1973 to the Reynella clone; all French oak (30% new). A nicely delineated wine here, with floral notes, lavender, rosemary flowers and bracken over tart mulberry, briary blackberry, cassis and red plum – finesse and intensity astutely balanced. This is charming now, but the array of fine, ripe tannin and bright acidity bodes well for positive cellar development.

95 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

The Oliver’s Taranga DJ Cabernet Sauvignon from McLaren Vale is a powerful yet elegant expression of one of the region’s most underrated red varieties. Oliver’s Taranga, one of the oldest family-owned vineyards in McLaren Vale, has been farmed by the Oliver family since 1841, with six generations shaping its legacy. The “DJ” Cabernet pays tribute to Don James Oliver, the fifth generation custodian of the land, who was passionate about the potential of Cabernet Sauvignon in McLaren Vale – a region more often associated with Shiraz. Winemaker Corrina Wright, Don’s great-great-great granddaughter, continues this vision, crafting a wine that showcases the depth and structure Cabernet can achieve in McLaren Vale’s warm Mediterranean climate.

The fruit comes from old, dry-grown estate vineyards in Seaview and Taranga blocks, where the ancient soils and cooling gully breezes provide intensity and balance. Hand-picked and vinified in small batches, the wine spends extended time in French oak, building complexity and supple tannin structure while allowing the fruit to shine.

In the glass it is deep crimson with ruby highlights. The bouquet is fragrant yet powerful, with blackcurrant, mulberry and blackberry fruit lifted by bay leaf, cedar, dark chocolate and violets. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with layers of cassis, plum and black cherry framed by firm, fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Subtle notes of tobacco, graphite and spice flow through to a long, savoury finish that lingers with both fruit and finesse.

Food pairings highlight its structure and depth: chargrilled ribeye with rosemary, slow-braised beef cheeks, roast lamb with garlic and herbs, or mushroom ragù. It also partners beautifully with aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano. With 15 to 20 years of cellaring potential, the DJ Cabernet evolves into a wine of profound complexity, gaining earthy, leathery and cigar box nuances while retaining its vibrant fruit core.