Well, unsurprisingly, that Shiraz flew out the door. But fear not, sweet Operatives! We have something even better for you. But don’t let this one get by!

How about same iconic winery and 96 points from Wine Orbit this time? And a Cabernet Sauvignon none the less!

Like we learned with the Shiraz before, Southern Fleurieu in Australia is a lesser-known area south of Adelaide and known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Shriaz, Merlot, and Reisling AND (if you forgot already!) for wicked deals. The growing season is slightly cooler than Adelaide and extra-long, making for elegant and nuanced wines that will blow your mind.

Nangkita is the Southern Fleurieu’s most acclaimed vineyard. With plenty of accolades to boast, the elevated site sits between McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. Los Angeles Times once wrote, “Just 27 miles south of Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia, is a little-known Mediterranean-style region called the Fleurieu Peninsula with world-class wines…”

Just as the Shiraz, this Cabernet Sauvignon is the “Premium Edition” Shiraz which means the fruit was pulled from the tip top of the vineyard hill which has deep sandy limestone soils. The cooler climate makes this wine elegant and gorgeous while maintaining that big, sexy, bold intensity of flavor.

Markedly pronounced bell pepper, herb and blackberry bramble, this is classic and elegant. The cooler climate imparts lush but refined tannins and brilliant acidity. Black cherry, acacia and tobacco on the palette sticks around for a long, lovely finish. This is a Cab for Cab connoisseurs.

If we thought the Shiraz was textbook, this Cab can be filed under cool climate Australian Cabernet Sauvignon to fall in love with.

And for twenty-four bucks!? Deal!

96 Points – Wine Orbit

“A gorgeous rendition of the variety, showing cassis, violet and cedary oak characters with a subtle tobacco nuance. The concentrated palate displays excellent fruit purity and power, superbly complemented by richly textured mouthfeel backed by sturdy tannins, leading to a lengthy structured finish. At its best: now to 2038.”