Serafino Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 | McLaren Vale

Serafino's Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 brings together the generous dark fruit of McLaren Vale with Cabernet's unmistakable savoury character and firm, finely textured tannins. Made from estate-grown fruit, it combines blackcurrant, ripe plum and dark berries with hints of cocoa, olive, leafy herbs and oak spice. Richly flavoured yet composed, this is a satisfying South Australian red for a good meal or a little time in the cellar.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby-red with youthful purple tones.

Aroma: Blackcurrant and ripe dark berries lead, followed by plum, cocoa, subtle capsicum, leafy herbs and a touch of oak spice.

Palate: Generous blackcurrant and plum flavours, layered with savoury olive, cocoa and herbal complexity. The fruit is concentrated but balanced, supported by fine, chalky Cabernet tannins and integrated oak.

Finish: Persistent dark fruit and savoury spice, with structured tannins that provide shape and a satisfying, gently drying finish.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Serafino's Black Label wines are drawn from estate vineyards in McLaren Vale, where varied soils and vineyard sites contribute complexity and regional character.

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon shows the richness of the region alongside clear varietal definition. Published information describes maturation in French and American oak hogsheads, with one source identifying 18 months in French oak, approximately 15% new. The precise oak programme should be confirmed against the producer's vintage-specific technical sheet before publication.

Food Pairing

This Cabernet is particularly well suited to roast lamb with rosemary, chargrilled rib-eye, slow-braised beef, mushroom and lentil ragù, or mature cheddar. Its dark fruit complements richly flavoured dishes, while the tannins work particularly well with roast and grilled meats.

Awards

Why We Like It

There's something very appealing about a Cabernet that delivers genuine McLaren Vale generosity without losing its varietal character. Serafino's 2023 has plenty of dark fruit, but the black olive, herbal notes and fine tannins give it more interest than a straightforward fruit-driven red.

Cellaring & Serving

Serve at approximately 16–18°C. Enjoy now with food or consider medium-term cellaring under suitable storage conditions. A confirmed producer or critic drinking window should take precedence over our editorial estimate.