Review: Barwang Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Barwang Cabernet has a long history as a budget favourite that will sneakily mature for years. A go-to red, if a little rough around the edges, and a brand mismanaged by McWilliams. Now, the McWilliams brand has changed hands, and so has Barwang, with the Bowman family now revitalising the name and the original Hilltops estate. This newish release feels like what was good about the label, too. Dark berry mulberry flavours, it’s a bit minty, with a big eucalypt and purple berry blackberry palate with rather firm minty tannins. Too tannic? Maybe, but a rock solid, hearty density for $22.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now and for a decade
• Score (out of 20): 17.5
• Score (out of 100): 91
• Alcohol %: 14
• RRP (in $AUD): 19
• Winery website: https://barwangwines.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: a glass or two