Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Cabernet Sauvignon delivers classic Barossa Cabernet with plenty of dark-fruited charm and a tidy, polished finish. Blackcurrant, blackberry and cassis sit alongside subtle leafy notes, winter spice and gently supportive oak, while silky tannins keep the palate smooth and approachable. Made by the family-owned Thorn-Clarke winery from fruit grown across three Barossa vineyards, it is a generous red without becoming heavy. A smart match for roast lamb, beef burgers or slow-cooked tomato and aubergine dishes.

What the winery says:

The 2020 fruit came from the St Kitts, Milton Park and Kabininge vineyards. Harvesting took place overnight to preserve fruit purity, followed by destemming and fermentation in potter fermenters at 22 to 24 degrees, with twice-daily pump overs for seven days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine matured for 18 months in stainless steel tanks and seasoned hogshead barrels. The winery describes lifted blackcurrant, spiced blackberry, subtle leafiness, plush black fruit and cassis, supported by silky tannins and oak. It is vegan friendly and can be cellared for three to five years.

What the experts say:

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 92 Points (2020)
“It's attractively ripe and inviting on the nose showing dark plum, cassis, dried herb and roast meat notes, leading to a flavoursome palate offering ripe fruit flavours backed by fine polished tannins. Well balanced and splendidly appealing”