2024 Hentley Farm Cabernet Sauvignon, Barossa Valley

The Hentley Farm Cabernet Sauvignon from the Barossa Valley is a rich yet finely structured expression of this classic variety, crafted with the attention to detail that has made Hentley Farm one of the region’s most respected modern estates. While Barossa is better known for Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in its cooler pockets and varied soils, where long ripening builds both intensity and refinement. Hentley Farm, established in the 1990s on the western edge of the Barossa, has built its reputation on single-estate wines that balance generosity of fruit with elegance and finesse.

In the glass, the wine is deep crimson with purple hues. The nose is aromatic and layered, offering cassis, blackberry and dark cherry alongside notes of bay leaf, tobacco, cedar and a touch of cocoa. The palate is medium to full-bodied, showing concentrated dark fruits framed by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Subtle oak maturation brings savoury spice and mocha, while the finish is long, poised and elegant, a true testament to Cabernet’s potential in the Barossa.

Food pairings suit its structure and depth: roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, grilled ribeye steak, beef short ribs, or venison with juniper. Hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or pecorino also pair beautifully. With 12 to 15 years of cellaring potential, the wine will evolve into a more complex expression, gaining layers of leather, truffle and cigar box while retaining its core of dark fruit.