I was reading on Andrew Caillard’s new site (the Vintage Journal, published alongside Angus Hughson, well worth a read) that the famous ’63 Mildara Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (aka the legendary Peppermint Pattie) had a liberal dose of McLaren Vale grapes in the blend, just to remind how good Vale Cabernet can be. This Richard Hamilton Hut Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is only a cheapie, but it’s pretty easy going (if hardly the comparison to Peppermint Pattie).
Minty, blocky and dark berried McLaren Vale Cabernet that does a pretty neat varietal take, although plenty of eucalyptus too. I don’t mind this. It’s rough and tumble, but chunky as hell. Solid stuff with a mix of dark fruit and a proper line of savouriness. If it was more expensive I might feel less forgivable about the rawish finish, but otherwise, a solid recommendation.
Richard Hamilton Hut Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. Best drinking: good now and will still be alive in ten years. 17/20, 90/100. 14.5%, $26.99. Richard Hamilton website. Would I buy it? A glass.
P.S. Have you subscribed to the latest emails yet?
Choose from instant, daily or weekly updates. It's not an everyday thing, but a free way to get updates fast and no spam (ever).
Help keep this site paywall free – donate here
You might also like
2 Comments
2016 and 2018 vintages were very good and I have a feeling I bought the 2018 under a secret label, which meant I paid not much more than $15 a bottle – a brilliant buy. Good to see very drinkable cabernet at such good prices.
The best Vale Cabernet at the JH competition 2021. I only thought it was a solid drink. Not much flair here for mine. Of the Vale Cabernets I’ve seen (and I’m sure you have seen the same ones too), many of the better wines aren’t entered in such shows. 96 pts for this is a bit OTT IMO. But, granted, on the day it was the best of the lot. Respect.