Johnny Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Johnny Q Cabernet Sauvignon is a generous South Australian Cabernet with plenty of cassis and dark berry fruit, lifted mint and a smooth seasoning of vanilla oak. Full-bodied without becoming hard work, the 2021 combines ripe fruit with firm but approachable tannins and a long, polished finish. Johnny Q is the easy-going range from experienced winemaker John Quarisa, and this Cabernet fits the brief nicely: flavourful, unfussy and ready for the dinner table. A great match for chargrilled sirloin, hearty beef dishes or a warming minestrone when something substantial is called for.

What the winery says:

The 2021 shows an intense red colour with purple hues, with fresh cassis and mint aromas alongside well-integrated vanillin oak. The palate is full-bodied, carrying dense ripe cassis fruit through to a long, smooth finish. Fruit was harvested at between 13.5 and 14.0 Baume and fermented in a mixture of vessels to build colour and flavour, with oak used during and after fermentation until the desired balance was achieved. It can be enjoyed now or cellared further, with chargrilled sirloin or hearty minestrone suggested at the table.

What the experts say:

Cuisine Magazine, 5 Stars and Best Buy (2021)
“It’s deeply coloured in the glass with aromas of cassis, currant, smoke and toast on the nose.”

James Suckling, 92/100 (2021)
“Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Delicious and silky, with a flavorful finish.”