Only shiraz and chardonnay surpass the noble cabernet sauvignon as Australia’s top-performing variety this year, and if all of its blends are accounted for, there’s compelling argument that cabernet is king. By contrast to the dexterity of other varieties, cabernet’s fastidious preferences confine its rule largely to Coonawarra, Great Southern and, most of all, Margaret River, with the Yarra Valley asserting its pedigree at the very top end.
Western Australia claims pride of place, dominating the list with almost two-thirds of the highlights – thanks in no small part to the sublime 2018 season. In our hotly contested taste-off of east versus west, one wine soared ahead of the flock with an elegance and beauty that made it the favourite of almost every judge. It seems the Yarra is still far from relinquishing its mantle to the west! Find out more about our 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year below.
2019 Yarra Yering Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon
*This is an edited extract from the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion, with reviews by Jane Faulkner, James Halliday, Erin Larkin, Tony Love, Ned Goodwin MW, Jeni Port and chief editor Tyson Stelzer.
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