Cascabel Carignan 2012 (McLaren Vale, SA)
14.5%, Screwcap, $32
Source: Sample
www.cascabelwinery.com.au

While the Graciano may garner the cool factor, it is this Carignan that is the superior Cascabel wine (much cheaper too). Then again, I’m putting my hand up here as a massive Priorat fan, so I don’t mind me a little Carignan action…

What this has over the Graciano is it’s extra meatiness – it’s probably not as oak-sexy but there is extra depth here (and freshness too) with more pepper and herbs. Again it’s cut with thick, cocoa powder oak edged tannins with a pithy bitterness. That meatiness is what I like about Carignan really and this is pumped full of it. Again the style is a bit warm and oak drawn but there is something very appealing about this wine.

Drink: 2014-2020

Score: 17.7/20, 92/100
Would I buy it? A few glasses might work very nicely.