The 2020 The Maitre d' Cabernet Sauvignon smells of tobacco, cassis, dark chocolate/cocoa and blackberry coulis. In the mouth, the wine is dense; the fruit flavors have a feeling of fusion. There exists no clear boundary between the cassis, the blackberry, the licorice and the tobacco, and yet there is a sense of leafiness/herbaceous character in there, too. Given what I know of the vineyard management, this hardly seems right, but it is there nonetheless. There is a full-throttle display of fruit and tannin here. The oak encases it all. 15.5% alcohol.

Reveals ripe fruit flavors at the core, with a jammy, stewed note to the plum and berry elements. Offers cedar and tobacco accents, with a touch of salted caramel on the plush finish. Drink now. 4,381 cases made, 1,908 cases imported.??–MW??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add