Brand’s Laira Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 from Coonawarra on South Australia’s Limestone Coast is a deep garnet, classic regional cabernet built around pure dark berry fruit, supple tannins and that hallmark Coonawarra line. The nose shows cassis and blackberry with cashew nut and vanilla oak in support, feeling generous but nicely composed rather than overdone.

The palate is rich and juicy with dark berry fruits, spice, vanilla and dusty cedar oak flowing through a medium to full bodied frame. Tannins are fine and silky, the structure is sound and the finish long, making this a cabernet that drinks well young but will also cellar happily in the medium term. It sits in that sweet spot between supermarket quaffer and serious reserve wine.

Brand’s Laira Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a natural with lamb roast, beef dishes, hearty casseroles or blue cheese crostini as some retailers suggest, where its dark fruits, oak spice and silky tannins really come into their own at the table. With solid reviews and consistent quality across vintages, it is a smart, good value Coonawarra cabernet to have on your list.