Mitchell Harris Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Ever had one of the old Taltarni reds (like these)? They’re Aussie classics, showing just how delicious low alcohol Australian reds can be. Pity the (often warm and hard) modern Taltarni releases don’t follow that script. But this Mitchell Harris Cabernet does and it’s great.

From the Peerick Vineyard in the Pyrenees, it’s wild fermented with 15% whole bunches and matured in 20% new oak. Cool and sophisticated, there’s a healthy dose of Pyrenees mint, blackcurrant and then perfect dry tannins. There is a real elegance here, a finesse of powdery tannins and real, not-from-a-bag acidity. It’s a cellarworthy winner that champions balance at a very fair price.

Best drinking: Now, ten years, twenty. You choose. It’ll be great. 18.5/20, 94/100. 13.5%, $30. Would I buy it? A bottle for now, a bottle for next decade.