Normans Old Vine McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

The Normans Old Vine McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a beautifully composed expression of Cabernet that unites McLaren Vale generosity with the pedigree of one of Australia’s founding wine families. Normans Wines traces its history back to 1853, when Jesse Norman planted his first vines in Adelaide, establishing a legacy that has spanned generations and helped shape the Australian wine industry. That heritage is clearly reflected in this confident, varietally pure release.

Sourced from two old vine vineyards at the southern end of McLaren Vale, with vines aged up to 49 years, the fruit delivers depth, balance and natural intensity. Fermented in small stainless steel fermenters to preserve clarity and concentration, the wine was then matured for 12 months in predominantly older oak barrels, with a small proportion of new oak used to gently build structure and complexity without masking the fruit.

In the glass, the wine shows a vibrant crimson red with purple hues. Aromas lift with mulberry and ripe cherries, supported by a subtle thread of vanillin oak that adds polish and dimension. The palate is generous and approachable, flowing with ripe plum and blackcurrant fruit across the mid-palate, while hints of milk chocolate add softness and richness. Savoury yet firm tannins are beautifully balanced by fresh acidity and an elegant underlying oak character, creating a Cabernet that is both easy-drinking and impressively layered.

This versatile style shines with richer red meat dishes such as rib-eye steak or slow-roasted beef, where the wine’s dark fruit and structure complement the savoury depth of the dish. It also pairs surprisingly well with tomato-based seafood dishes, particularly pasta with Boston Bay mussels, where the wine’s acidity and supple tannins work harmoniously with the sweetness of the seafood and the richness of the sauce.

Produced by one of Australia’s oldest and most respected wineries, and crafted from mature McLaren Vale vineyards, the Normans Old Vine McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 delivers depth, balance and regional character in a polished, highly drinkable style that reflects both heritage and modern winemaking precision.

Cellaring

Drinking magnificently now, but will reward medium term cellaring.

Varietals Cabernet Sauvignon
Region McLaren Vale, South Australia
Alcohol 14.5%
Winemaker John Harris