Just 1500 bottles made from Hayes’ two acre patch of old vine Cabernet in Coonawarra.

2019 was a kind and generous vintage, producing a notable and age-worthy wine.

Plenty of blackcurrant and blackberry fruit here in a complex bouquet, with notes of vanilla, cedar wood, smoke and tobacco. Smooth and velvety on the palate, with hints of savouriness and bitter black cherry chocolate. Herbal touches too – thyme, mint, menthol.

This is a big, serious and structured wine, with high acidity, soft tannins and well integrated alcohol. It’s one to sip slowly, or to enjoy with rich food – beef or duck spring to mind.