Smith's Lane Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Smith’s Lane Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 from North‑East Victoria is a full‑bodied, comfort‑style cabernet that leans into ripe forest berries and plum, framed by a soft, velvety finish at a very approachable price.

Aromatically, this Smith’s Lane Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 shows subtle hints of forest berries and plum, with a fruity profile that benefits from a bit of air in the glass. On the palate it’s full‑bodied yet smooth, with that berry‑and‑plum core rolling into a soft, velvety finish, making it more about generous flavour than firm, ageworthy tannin.

From an Adelaide‑based sommelier’s lens, I’d be pouring this cabernet alongside big plates – grilled steaks, lamb chops, burgers or rich pasta in tomato‑based sauces – to let the ripe fruit and full body meet some protein and fat. It’s not really a “sip on its own” cabernet; it’s made to sit on the table with hearty food and casual company.