Collection: Cabernet Shiraz | Australian Red Wine

Cabernet Shiraz — Australia’s Signature Red Wine Blend

Cabernet Shiraz is one of Australia’s most distinctive contributions to the world of wine, combining the structure and blackcurrant character of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness, spice and dark fruit of Shiraz. The result is a full-bodied, balanced red wine style that has become a benchmark of Australian winemaking across regions and price points.

The blend has been refined over decades by some of Australia’s most respected producers, from iconic South Australian examples to regional expressions from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Heathcote. While individual winemakers adjust the proportions to suit their style, the combination remains popular because it delivers both power and elegance in a single wine.

What Does Cabernet Shiraz Taste Like?

Cabernet Shiraz typically displays flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum and dark cherry, supported by notes of spice, cedar, chocolate, mint or dried herbs depending on the region and winemaking approach.

Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure, tannin and freshness, while Shiraz adds generosity, fruit weight and spice. The result is a wine that often feels more complete and approachable than either variety on its own. Most Cabernet Shiraz wines are dry, full-bodied and well suited to food, with many capable of developing additional complexity through bottle ageing.

Cabernet Shiraz vs Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon generally delivers firmer tannins, more pronounced blackcurrant flavours and a more structured profile. Cabernet Shiraz retains many of those characteristics while adding greater fruit richness, spice and approachability from Shiraz. Many wine drinkers find Cabernet Shiraz offers the best attributes of both varieties in a single glass.

Why Wine Lovers Choose Cabernet Shiraz

Cabernet Shiraz appeals to drinkers who enjoy rich red wines but also appreciate balance and structure. The style offers the depth and concentration of Shiraz, the structure and longevity of Cabernet Sauvignon, excellent food-pairing versatility, strong cellaring potential and outstanding value across many price points. The style is equally at home on a weeknight dinner table or in a serious wine collection.

Regional Styles

Barossa Valley — Rich, generous and full-bodied, showing ripe blackberry fruit, dark chocolate and spice. These wines often have substantial weight and ageing potential.

Coonawarra — Distinctive blackcurrant, mint and fine tannins. Cabernet Shiraz blends from the region tend to be more structured and savoury.

McLaren Vale — Plush and approachable, combining ripe fruit with soft tannins and regional richness.

Heathcote — Concentrated dark fruit, spice and firm structure, creating powerful wines that reward cellaring.

Food Pairing

Cabernet Shiraz is a natural match for hearty dishes and grilled meats — grilled steak, roast lamb, slow-cooked beef, barbecued meats, aged cheddar and mushroom-based dishes. The wine’s combination of fruit intensity and tannin structure allows it to pair successfully with a wide range of rich savoury foods.

Buying Cabernet Shiraz

For richer, more powerful wines, look to Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. For greater structure and elegance, explore Coonawarra-based blends. Customers seeking cellar-worthy examples should focus on premium producers and established regional specialists. Cabernet Shiraz is available across a wide range of price points, making it suitable for both everyday drinking and long-term cellaring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cabernet Shiraz? A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, combining the strengths of Australia’s two most important red grape varieties.

Is Cabernet Shiraz dry or sweet? Most Cabernet Shiraz wines are dry, with ripe fruit flavours balanced by tannin and structure rather than sweetness.

Is Cabernet Shiraz good for cellaring? Many premium examples age exceptionally well, developing additional complexity over 10 years or more.

What is the difference between Cabernet Shiraz and Shiraz? Shiraz generally offers softer tannins and more fruit richness, while Cabernet Shiraz adds structure, blackcurrant character and greater ageing potential through the inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Explore More

Browse our full Cabernet Shiraz range below. For related styles, explore our Shiraz collection or Cabernet Sauvignon collection.