Paralian Springs Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

This may seem like an outlier in the range, but it isn’t. Cabernet Sauvignon is indeed a classic varietal of McLaren Vale and the passion project of Charlie Seppelt. A love of Claret doesn’t mean an aping or copying of Bordeaux and Paralian’s example is simply the best out of the region and of a style that is unique to South Australia. Beautiful aromatics of blueberry, blackcurrant, mint, bay leaf and violets. Rich and plush, full of curve and vigour, with lovely bass notes. Dark fruits, dark chocolate, iodine, compost, tobacco. black olive and cardamon with rich tannins of cashmere and chalk. It’s cabernet alright, but not claret; with a seductive fleshy core of fruit, mineral spices and corseting acid line. One of my favourite wines of 2024. Waters Wine Co

This is a culture of precise tannin management and effusive energy, no matter the weight of any wine. This serves to compress the fruit into a whirl of tension and savouriness. This, an inaugural release, is no different. My gripe is the eucalyptus that strikes the currant, olive, violet and sage aromas to dry the finish. Slightly, mind you. There is a great deal to enjoy all the same, from the saline slake of Blewitt Springs freshness, ballbearing tannins, granular and gritty, and the saliva-sucking maritime feel. 93 points – Ned Goodwin, Halliday Wine Companion