Kay Brothers Cuthbert Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Released in top vintages, which, for winemaker Duncan Kennedy, are generally the cooler ones, with this registering at 13% alcohol. Ageing was in French hogsheads. A cooler year, yes, and modest abv, but this has neatly poised ripeness, capturing mulberry, forest berries, blue and black, while also feeding in some blackcurrant leaf, hedgerow and violet. Medium in weight, with pencil-shaving/graphite, dry tobacco, iodine and cedar notes, the tannins aptly linear, some sweet spice expanding through the finish. It’s a fine example of an often-underappreciated grape in the region. 95 points – Marcus Ellis, Halliday Wine Companion