2019 A. Rodda Tete de Cuvee

Tete de Cuvee is a french term used to describe a winery's top release - the pride of the estate. To continue the french them, this is Adrian Rodda's paean to Bordeaux, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend that also features Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot.

It's Australian Cabernet of high order, though firm and proud currently, and needing to cellar. Poised and dense, bathing in chocolate and blackcurrant flavours and held in check by ripe but potent tannins. The fruit source is the Smith's Vineyard, planted in 1978.

It's a first release, and a partner wine to the similarly excellent Triangle Block Chardonnay. Stash some in the cellar.