2023 Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek

I tip my hat to Lake Breeze. At all pricepoints, it offers excellent value and excellent wines. They are welcome additions at my table. Regional fruit flavours of choc-mint infusing cassis and blackberries, plums too, lot of brown spices with a hint of pepper. The palate is fuller bodied, coated in plump, ripe tannins, fleshy fruit and fresh acidity. It’s not all fruit here; it’s a little savoury with grip on the finish. Nice one.

92 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Bernoota is one of Langhorne Creek’s quiet overachievers, a Shiraz Cabernet blend that consistently delivers depth well beyond its price. Lake Breeze is a family owned estate established in the late 1800s, now run by the Follett family with winemaker Greg Follett guiding the style. The vineyards sit on fertile alluvial soils shaped by the Bremer and Angas rivers, giving fruit natural generosity while cooling breezes from Lake Alexandrina preserve balance. The winery’s philosophy is classic Australian blending, bringing Shiraz richness together with Cabernet structure.

Viticulture focuses on ripe but balanced fruit, allowing both varieties to contribute equally. In the cellar, fermentation builds deep colour and flavour, while maturation in oak adds spice and cohesion without overwhelming the blend. The aim is harmony and drinkability rather than excess weight.

Deep crimson in colour, the aromas open with blackberry, plum and blackcurrant layered with chocolate, mint and gentle spice. The palate is full bodied and plush, with dark fruit wrapped in ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Flavours of cassis, mocha and savoury notes roll into a long, smooth finish.

It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, lamb and hearty dishes. Drinking impressively now for its richness and approachability, it will cellar comfortably for ten to fifteen years.

This is Langhorne Creek in classic Australian form, generous, balanced and reliably satisfying.