The Hunter Valley has been quietly knocking out quality Cabernet blends for a long time now, ignoring the fuss from Coonawarra or Margaret River and just going about its business. Peter Drayton has produced a fine knock with the Ironbark Hill Cabernet Merlot, with a nice array of blackberries and blackcurrants with some savoury plum skin notes as well.

Origin: It’s believed that the first wines made were in the Médoc region, in the west of France. Mainly Grown In: France leads the way here, with Bordeaux the big one. Also California, South Australia, central and northern Italy, plus Argentina. Key Facts: Found in almost all wine-producing countries of the world, Cab Sav is traditionally full-bodied, loaded with plenty of dark fruit (think blueberry and blackberry) and backed up by a zing of herbal/grassy kind of flavours. It’s also known for its strong backbone of tannin – that furry, drying sensation you sometimes get with red wines. Cabernet has plenty of it but is still a smooth talker regardless. In these blends, Cabernet takes the lead but is ably assisted by softer grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and friends. Cab makes friends easily... splash this around, and you will too. Fun Fact: Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular blending grape because it is a late ripener. Kind of like that friend that is always running late and needs a buddy to keep them on track, Cabernet does well blended with earlier ripening grapes like Merlot. Together they balance each other to make something truly divine and on time for the new vintage's wine release!