Crafted with deep respect for land and legacy, the Songlines Estates Basket Pressed McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 reflects the power and beauty of a region often referred to as “The Latour of McLaren Vale” by Decanter Magazine. Named after the ancient songlines that crisscross the Australian landscape, this wine embodies tradition, terroir, and time-honoured winemaking.

The 2021 growing season was ideal, with excellent winter rainfall, a dry spring promoting healthy growth, and a long, dry Indian summer delivering exceptional flavour concentration. Fruit was handpicked, cold macerated for 24 hours, and fermented in small open-top fermenters with gentle hand plunging. Basket pressing followed, then maturation in 30% new French oak and 70% seasoned American oak hogsheads for 12 months, before bottling with minimal intervention to preserve purity.

In the glass, this wine shines bright purple with a vivid red hue, and the nose is intensely fragrant with fresh cut plum, blueberry, and olive, rounded out by spicy vanillin oak. The palate delivers classical McLaren Vale Cabernet character with incredible finesse, bursting with blackberry, blackcurrant, licorice, and earth, underpinned by firm, well-structured tannins and a silky texture. The finish is long, evolving, and intensely satisfying—showcasing both concentration and elegance.

Awarded 95 Points and a Gold Medal at the Melbourne International Wine Competition, 95 Points by Sam Kim (Wine Orbit), and 94 Points with a Gold Medal from Wine Showcase Magazine, this Cabernet is a standout in every regard. It is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop over the next 10 years.

Enjoy with chargrilled ribeye, rosemary lamb shanks, wild mushroom pie, or vintage cheddar, allowing its layered complexity to shine alongside bold flavours.