2023 Nicks Secret PRH Cabernet Sauvignon

Crafted by a prestigious McLaren Vale estate with 170 years of South Australian winemaking history, this Nicks Secret Cabernet carries serious pedigree. Going back 6 generations, the family is considered one of the industry's pioneers.

A sturdily built, richly fruited McLaren Cabernet that delivers serious value for money at just $16.99

Matured for 15 months in new and aged French oak puncheons and hogsheads. Dense inky black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Expressive blackcurrant and liquorice scents are delivered with impressive intensity trailed by some spicy vanillin cedar, earthy tobacco, dark chocolate and mint notes. Rich, mouth filling blackcurrant, dark chocolate and liquorice fruits are married to earthy black olive, cedary tobacco and spicy mint characters. Firmly structured, a robust tannin framework imparts some gentle grip across the long, sturdy finish.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
The team have not named this wine in honour of some Downton Abbey-like hunt where gentlemen in tweed slaughter the resident population of partridge and quail. Rather, the reason is a little more prosaic. The property is on the corner of Rifle Range and Hunt Roads in McLaren Vale. No doubt the local poultry are very grateful. The wine spent nineteen months maturing in French oak hogsheads, 20% of which were new. Under cork. Black/maroon with a very dark blood red rim, the nose reveals aromas of tobacco leaves, cassis, chocolate, mushrooms, spices, beef stock and blackberries. There are hints of freshly turned earth as well. Excellent oak integration ties everything together and we can see the early signs of complexity emerging. The palate is all about chocolate. The wine is well structured with serious length through to very fine tannins. Absolutely delicious, there is much to love here. It will surely provide immense pleasure for at least twenty years. It would probably pair very nicely with either partridge or quail, if there are any left. Drink 2026-2046.
96 Points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

Saturated, glass-staining purple colour; deep-set black fruit on the nose coupled with tidy oak that's been well handled. The wine is full-bodied and concentrated, the fruit flavour well matched by firm and mouth-coating tannins. This has power and pizzazz, driving very long through a firm, authoritative finish. Smashing cabernet that will age superbly.
95 Points
Huon Hooke – The Real Review

This is an impressive example of McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2023 vintage. There’s a strong varietal blackcurrant on the nose with a slightly leafy overtone and a little black olive nuance. The palate carries plenty of richness and weight with a chalky thread of tannin and plenty of oak playing a supporting role. It’s balanced and poised, with good flavour intensity that extends effortlessly into a long, focused finish. It’s a pretty smart wine. Drink 2026-2041.
95 Points
Ray Jordan - WinePilot.com