GCV McAskill Cabernet Malbec
2020

The more cabernet malbec blends I see, the more convinced I become of their combined power and synchronicity; they are truly meant to be together, each filling in the gaps of the other. The complete picture, as is in my glass right now, is one of undulating power, concentrated fruit, pliable tannins and enduring length of flavour. There is a precision to the engineering of this wine. Drink it from the end of 2022, better yet – 2024. Glorious. Erin Larkin

A touch over 3000 bottles produced, with the wine being profound in its impact.

The nose combines the savoury black fruits from Cabernet Sauvignon with the floral, slightly more red fruited impact of Malbec and responds beautifully to the brown spice of new French oak.

The palate has a rolling array of black fruits that start with blackberry before moving to plum and cherry; tannins give wonderful structure and acidity is in perfect balance. The finish has such density of drying blackcurrant; with just enough spice and fruit richness to know there is a significant future ahead.

Don’t even think about opening this wine in the next five years or more as it’s a prize fighter built for the long haul. Opaque in colour, this Cabernet Malbec blend starts out quite shy and takes time to build in the glass. But it is worth the wait with youthful, brooding inky, blackberry and blackcurrant fruits with sweet herbs and well integrated but significant oak slowly rising up. Chewy and mouthfilling, the palate is a pillar of strength thanks to a strong tannin backbone supporting waves of dark fruit. Bone dry and robust, this is an intense experience with a long and strong palate defined by its firm structure. Forget about this for a while and then enjoy with good friends.

Powerful blackcurrant/Ribena fruit influence here with minty/leafy elements, dark chocolaty notes and chewy tannins all nicely wrapped up with some crisp acidity

Top in Category | Eligible for Wine of the Year

Lifted red and blue fruits, red currant and mulberry intertwine seamlessly with briar, tobacco leaf, and sweet spice. The synergy between cabernet and malbec becomes apparent on a palate that is poised, showcasing typical Clare characteristics such as sage, green olive, and bright red fruits. Elegant and finely structured, this is a medium-bodied wine that will reward patient cellaring.