2023 Bekkers McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon

96 POINTS

Shanteh Wale - Winepilot

All Clarendon fruit and a cheeky 10% Cabernet Franc inclusion. This is all manner of blackberries, huckleberry, prune and plums. A significant twiggy, stripped thyme stem notes that has me smiling fondly. This feels like good old raw dog Cabernet Sauvignon and yet as we know nothing is lackadaisical in the vineyard or winery at Bekkers. However the old soul of Cabernet shines true here, and where you’ll be even more pleasantly surprised is with the brightness, and jaunty light foot in its step. Tannins are sandy and ever present but have been well integrated for drinking on release, ensuring this will age well over another couple of decades. This is old mate Cab Sav, strolling down the street whistling his tune but with a brand new set of smoking hot kicks. No doubt you will blink and your glass will be gone. A wonderful lithe wine with so much promise, I am already reaching for another pour. A chunky beef pie is in order.

95 POINTS

Ray Jordan - Winepilot

The fruit for this excellent wine comes from Bekkers Clarendon Vineyard Estate, which was planted back in the early 90s. The colour is brilliant, deep, dark, but with some nice crimson hues on the finish. The nose is immediately captivating, exotic aromas of African violet, black currant and a little graphite. The palate is plush, smooth and textured, yet the fine thread of tannins has been retained, contributing to a wine of structure and purpose. There’s a little savouriness on the finish and a touch of black olive providing a nice complement to the deeper fruits. Oak is well managed, and overall, the wine is balanced and poised.