2023 Smith & Hooper Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

A richly fruited yet refined Cabernet that delivers great value.

A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot matured for 11 months in French oak barriques (8% of them new), with the balance in one year and older French oak barriques and hogsheads.
Midnight black heart with a dark red hue. Attractive blackcurrant and mulberry aromas gently infused with black olive and cigar box sail from the glass followed by some earth and bay leaf notes. The refined, mid weighted palate features rich blackcurrant and mulberry fruits over cedary tobacco, earth, bay leaf and spice elements. Fine grained tannins with a long deeply fruited yet savoury finish. Great value.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews......
This combination of varieties has proved highly successful from the Limestone Coast in South Australia. Cabernet is providing that structural input while the merlot provides the lifted perfumed aromatics. But as a wine of substance with a generous palate supported by firmish fine tannins and displaying slightly spicy fresh red berry character, the black fruits and the power of the Cabernet will ensure this wine continues to evolve over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036.
93 points
Ray Jordan - WinePilot.com