Bright red cherries, bell pepper and light floral notes lift from this Warramate Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2023, a polished Bordeaux-style blend crafted by Sarah Crowe from the iconic Yarra Valley estate where vines planted in 1970 and 2000 deliver remarkable depth. Comprising 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 11% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot, this wine ferments in Yarra Yering’s open-topped fermenters before spending 15 months in small French oak barrels. Rated 93 points by Philip Rich at Halliday Wine Companion, it’s exceptional value from James Halliday’s 2017 Winemaker of the Year.

A succulent bright jubey fruit layered palate shows cardamom spice complexity alongside very fine soft tannins, while lighter-framed and gently leafy notes create harmony. Bright acid energy underscores the wine’s fruit purity and finesse, revealing a medium-bodied classic claret style that’s already a pleasure to drink. This harmonious blend flows beautifully across the palate with exceptional balance.

Grilled beef, roast lamb or venison pair perfectly where the fine soft tannins and bright acidity complement rich proteins without overwhelming them. Try it with herb-crusted rack of lamb or aged cheeses.