2022 Wirra Wirra The Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale

Inky purple with ruby hues. Initially shy on the nose, mulberry and bramble peeking behind a savoury earth note with cedar oak, and then opens to spiced plums, blackcurrant confiture and warmer vanilla. Concentrated and coiled tight, with steely acidity and graphite tannins lingering. Decant if drinking now, but this will be at its peak a while from now 15 Jan 2026 Drink 2028–2041

94 points Melissa Moore for The Real Review

Another cool year, with a couple more to follow. This opens with a classic herbal overlay of hedgerow, dried sage and green pepper over tart blackcurrant, redcurrant, damson and mulberry. There’s also tobacco leaf, black tea, cedar and currant. It’s coiled now, tightly wound, the nexus of tannin and acidity cinching all in. This promises to be a fine, medium-weight ‘claret’ style that should age well, and it should be showing that potential better on release.

94 points Marcus Ellis for Halliday Wine Companion

The Angelus stands at the pinnacle of the Wirra Wirra portfolio, named after the famous bell that has welcomed visitors to the winery for generations. Produced only in outstanding vintages, this flagship Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the estate's unwavering pursuit of excellence. Under the guidance of chief winemaker Emma Wood, it has become one of McLaren Vale's most distinguished Cabernet Sauvignons, combining power with elegance and remarkable longevity.

Fruit is sourced from low yielding vineyards in the northern reaches of McLaren Vale, where ancient soils and cooling maritime influences create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Careful maturation in premium French oak enhances the wine's structure and complexity while allowing the purity of the fruit and the character of the vineyard to remain at the forefront.

The colour is an inky deep crimson with youthful purple highlights. Aromas of cassis, blackberry and black cherry are entwined with cedar, violets, graphite and dark chocolate. The palate is rich, refined and beautifully structured, carrying concentrated black fruits across velvety tannins and vibrant acidity. Hints of tobacco leaf, liquorice and fine oak linger through a long, seamless finish that speaks of pedigree and balance.

Magnificent with dry aged rib eye, roast lamb, venison loin or mushroom Wellington with black garlic. While already impressive with a generous decant, this flagship Cabernet Sauvignon will reward careful cellaring for two decades or more.