Vinifera Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from Mudgee is an organically grown, full‑bodied cabernet with loads of personality and a distinctly regional, Aussie accent. It’s a small‑producer wine from Tony McKendry’s Vinifera estate, made to show both richness and savoury detail rather than simple fruit weight.

On the nose and palate, this Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is brimming with blackcurrant, clove, cinder box/charred wood, dried sage, tomato leaf and a classic hint of Aussie menthol. Tannins are firm and tomato‑leaf tinged yet well integrated, giving a structured, characterful, full‑bodied red with plenty of push through the mid‑palate and good cellaring potential.

Food‑wise, it’s a natural with grilled lamb, herb‑crusted beef, rosemary‑garlic roast lamb shoulder or a rich tomato‑based ragù that picks up the herb and menthol notes. Hard cheeses, especially aged cheddar or manchego‑style, will also work well alongside that blackcurrant, clove and cinder‑box character, and it’s robust enough to handle slow‑cooked casseroles on a cool evening.