This wine was not made in 2019. The 2020 Aphrodite Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Holy Grail vineyard (Seppeltsfield). Two hogsheads and two puncheons were made. It is made the same way as the Ares and bottled at the same time (i.e., 16 months in oak). This is earthy, brambly and full-bodied, with layers of earthy tannin. In fact, the tannins and the fruit come as a single package here, and that suggests that a decant would really benefit the drinking experience. It has notes of dark chocolate, mint, mulberry, oatmeal (Ovaltine overtones), bramble, cedar and cooking spices as well as hints of Australian sandalwood. 14.2% alcohol, sealed under Diam.

Two Hands's best Cabernet went into the 2017 Aphrodite Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from McLaren Vale (like all of the Two Hands Cabs this time around), it's a dark, vibrant purple in the glass, boasts loads of cassis fruit and just hints of mint, bay leaf and sage and finishes with gorgeous, silky tannins that linger for what seems like minutes. It's medium to full-bodied, fine-grained and elegant in feel and—it's worth repeating—long on the finish. Approachable now, it should reach full stride in another couple of years, then age for up to two decades.

Hints of celery leaf accent cassis fruit on the nose of the 2016 Aphrodite Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a more elegant style than you might expect from such a dark, concentrated Barossa Cab, being only medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained, silky tannins and plenty of length, but it's all the better for that, giving it a clear, varietal voice.

Deep purple-black in color, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Aphrodite is intensely scented of crushed blueberries and black currants with suggestions of baker's chocolate, Marmite, cigar boxes, aged meat and dried herbs. Full bodied and densely packed with ripe, seductive black fruits in the mouth, it has a firm frame of chewy tannins and lively acid, finishing with great length and just a little drying.

Lithe and sleek, with snappy red berry, tangy red pepper and floral flavors coming together on the focused, intense finish. Best from 2017 through 2020. 85 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add