Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a varietally intense Nagambie Lakes Cabernet from a challenging, low-yielding vintage that delivered wines of great depth of character and concentration — crafted in Tahbilk’s original open oak vats, over 155 years old, and matured in large aged French oak barrels as the winery has done since 1860. Vibrant purple in the glass; eucalyptus, spearmint, cocoa nibs, blueberry, and blackberry on the nose; intense fresh fruit on the palate with tight, youthful tannins and all the structure to age beautifully.
Appearance
Vibrant purple in the glass — intense and opaque, with the depth of colour that a low-yielding 2022 vintage and open oak vat fermentation in Tahbilk’s original 155-year-old vats consistently deliver.
Aroma
Typical herbal characters shine through — eucalyptus, spearmint, and cocoa nibs alongside delicate blueberry, blackberry, and subtle rose florals. Dusty cocoa, wet eucalypt leaves, cassis, kirsch, bay leaf, and old pipe tobacco — the complex, layered bouquet of a Nagambie Lakes Cabernet Sauvignon with genuine provenance and varietal intensity.
Palate
Intense fruit immediately hits the palate — fresh blueberries, wild berries, and blackberries with tight, youthful tannins that will even out beautifully with time. Broody dark fruits with chalky tannins, herbaceous edges, and a dry finish with lingering blackberry and bay leaf. Modern flesh forward, yet undeniably built for longevity. Drink now and then age 12 years and reap the benefits. — Holly Cusworth, Tahbilk Cellar Door Manager.
Pairs With
Roasted lamb, char-grilled beef, slow-braised red meats, aged hard cheeses, and rich game dishes — very food-friendly and versatile, and a wine that could grace any dinner party. The structure, dark fruit, and classic mint make Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon a deeply satisfying and natural partner for the finest food at the table.
Reviews
- “This Nagambie icon runs wild with blackcurrant, chocolate, leather and gingerbread spice aromas, leading into a generous palate of broody dark fruits with chalky tannins. Not as full-bodied as some Cabernets, but still deliciously drinkable.” — Kara Monssen, Melbourne Herald Sun, May 2025
- “Intense and opaque garnet hue. Dusty cocoa, wet eucalypt leaves, cassis, kirsch, bay leaf, CWA blackberry jam, boysenberry swirl and old pipe tobacco. Modern flesh forward, yet undeniably built for longevity. There’s an enjoyable flow from the front to the back, with those dusty, firm and plentiful tannins. The finish is dry as a bone with lingering blackberry and bay leaf. Will easily last for 20 years.” — vinonotebook.com, October 2025
- “Australians are blessed to be able to enjoy wines of this quality at such reasonable prices. Think dark blackcurranty fruit matured mainly in older oak, hints of herbs, spice and classic mint. Very food-friendly and versatile and extremely affordable for a wine that could grace any dinner party.” — Winsor’s Choice, August 2025
