Following on from the April missive on the partnering of Cabernet Sauvignon with lamb, a few mates had enquired if there were any wines from this varietal that could be recommended under the £20 mark.
Pulling together four Cabernet blends that have been served at home for many years, and have always received good ratings from the critics, a panel was assembled to taste wines from South Africa, Australia, Argentina, and Chile.
They were all very good and available from many merchants and retailers. The prices quoted below were the best value offers.
There was one clear winner enthusiastically enjoyed by all members of the panel: South Africa’s Rustenberg John X Merriman. However, votes for the other three meant they all came second, each having its own merits.
1 - Rustenberg John X Merriman 2021, Stellenbosch, South Africa
This winery has a history dating back to 1683, and John X Merriman and his brother bought the estate in 1892. In 1941 it was sold to the Barlow family who have owned it ever since. Definitely a winery to visit if you are planning a trip to Cape Town.
A blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon 63%, Merlot 20%, Malbec 11%, Petit Verdot 6% is the make up of this vintage. Percentages change marginally every year, and the Stellenbosch climate ensures a consistently excellent wine year after year. Therefore, if your merchant is selling an older or younger wine, the quality will not change dramatically, but the final blend will reflect the harvest. It is also a wine that will happily evolve over 5 to 7 years.
Cherries and cassis dominate the nose. Medium to full-bodied, it is well balanced with rich fruit accompanying good acidity and tannins. Stylistically, in the Bordeaux arena, but just showing a little more warmth on the palate and finish.
£13.99 - Waitrose - currently on offer from £17.99
2 - Moss Wood Amey’s Blend 2022, Western Australia
Keith and Clare Mugford have a formidable reputation for creating internationally renowned Cabernet Sauvignons. Visiting the winery a couple of years ago, it is very much a family run operation with a meticulous attention to detail.
This is their ‘entry-level’ wine and the closest of the four to a typical Médoc, but much better value. Around two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance being made up of Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Slightly closed on the nose, it needs a bit of time to coax out flavours of cassis and other dark fruits. Generous fruit, with concentrated blackcurrant, violets and red fruits on the palate, and just a touch of oak sitting on the finish. Drinking well today and will happily evolve for the next four to five years.
£17.99 - Waitrose
3 - Vik ‘A’ 2021, Chile
If you are travelling to Chile definitely make time for a visit to this ‘James Bond-esque’ winery. Blofeld would have felt at home here. Then have lunch at their superlative restaurant, and enjoy a few nights at the sumptuous hotel.
The brief for this winery, from owner Alexander Vik, was to make the best wine from South America. Patrick Valette, a French winemaker whose family owned Château Pavie in Saint-Émilion, was tasked to find a site to meet this brief.
After two years of exploration, 4,450 hectares of the Cachapoal valley were acquired with 327 hectares devoted to vineyards that are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah.
Their flagship wine sells for £120, and this excellent entry-level for less than £20. The blend for Vik ‘A’ varies extensively from year to year with the 2021 having a higher percentage of Carmenere than Cabernet Sauvignon, with a touch of Syrah to round it off.
The almost Mediterranean climate, with a marine influence, has created a very drinkable wine that is a little richer than the two above, so pairing with a roast beef salad would create a great partnership. Blackberries and plums on the nose with a touch of spice, then the 12 months in oak barrels has created an integrated wine that has good structure, a firm body, and surprising length.
£16.99 - Majestic - in a six mix
4 - Clos de los Siete 2000, Mendoza, Argentina
World famous French oenologist, Michel Rolland, created a partnership to produce this wine and today four wineries are involved: the family Parent in Bodegas y Vinedos Monteviejo, the family Cuvelier at Cuvelier los Andes (also owners of Château Léoville-Poyferré in Bordeaux), the family Bonnie at Bodega Diamandes (also owners of Château Malartic-Lagravière in Bordeaux), and Bodega Rolland.
Just over 800,000 bottles were made of this vintage from 55% Malbec, 16% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It is a very consistent wine and is the richest of the four tasted. Ripe, fresh, aromatic, full-bodied, dark fruit flavours well balanced with light tannins and acidity. Succulent burgers with rich cheesy sauces, plenty of onions and a punchy dressing on the salad would hit the mark.
£18.99 - Waitrose
