Jacob's Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia: Minty with fleshy blackberry aromas. Rich flavours of cassis on the palate. Full-bodied and smooth with mouth-watering juiciness. Great for hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2008-2014. 91751 13.80% D 750 mL  $17.45 Score: 88/100. January 3, 2012 Full Review

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, South Australia, Australia: Full-bodied and balanced with smoky blackberry and cassis aromas. Terrific wine for a juicy steak or movie night. Drink: 2009-2014. 45625 13.80% XD 750 mL  $17.00 Score: 88/100. January 3, 2012 Full Review

Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: An intense, expertly made wine. Almost pitch black in the glass. Impactful aromas of cassis, woodsmoke, cloves, mineral and mocha come wafting forth. Dry and very richly fruity, but it is immediately brought into balance by bright acidity and chewy tannins. This robustly full-bodied and long-finishing wine is an ideal candidate for mid-term cellaring (2-4 years), but it will also reward enjoyment tonight. My note: Juicy-black concentration of flavours and happiness. This is incredibly flavourful for cabernet which is usually far more austere than shiraz. I love it because the balance is just right between structure and fruit power. Drink: 2011-2017. 730374 14.50% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 93/100. August 20, 2011 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Sister's Run Gomersol Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: The playful label illustrates, with a work boot alongside a high-heeled shoe, the two sides of the woman winemaker’s world: the making and the marketing. A robust Barossa Valley Cabernet, sourced from 80+ year-old vines, that offers exceptional value. Starts with aromas of raspberry, cherry, black currant and blackberry. These notes echo on the palate, which is soft-textured and medium-full bodied. This crowd-pleasing wine will match with pizza. My note: Rich and inviting with savoury, juicy aromas and flavours of fleshy blackberry and plums. Some cassis and dark spices on the finish. Love the balance. Drink: 2011-2015. 478271 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. September 17, 2011 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Mitolo Jester Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: A characterful, but never jammy McLaren Vale Cab with a plush texture and ripe, gentle tannins for balance. Look for aromas of blackberry, plum, underbrush, black licorice and spring flowers. A flavourful, rich wine. My note: Surprising acidity that makes it great with food. Full-bodied and smooth with lusciously ripe dark fruit. Drink: 2011-2015. 43224 14.90% XD 750 mL  $21.95 Score: 90/100. October 29, 2011 Full Review

d'Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia, Australia: Grippy and tannic but delicious. Decant 2 hours. Blackberry and plums. Full-bodied. Needs a big steak. Drink: 2011-2015. 943456 14.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. December 10, 2011 Best Beef Wine Full Review