Hello big boy! Nothing in the Paulmara range is light in flavour, and this Paulmara Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 isn’t breaking the mould. Then again, it’s a Barossan red with shedloads of flavour for $30, so why complain? A lavish, American-oaked Barossa Cabernet here, with sweet vanilla dominating every cranny with a thick set style that is more oaky Barossa red than even a Cabernet, complete with sawdust oak tannins. It’s not unattractive and has that old-school blokey charm sewn up. I can admire the intensity, at the least, even if it’s not my drink of choice.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: now and for at least a decade
• Score (out of 20): 17
• Score (out of 100): 90
• Alcohol %: 14
• RRP (in $AUD): 30
• Winery website: https://www.paulmara.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: a glass