2023 Bekkers McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 750mL

Description

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The 2023 Bekkers McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is the first-ever Cabernet Sauvignon released by the acclaimed Bekkers Wine, marking a significant milestone for Toby and Emmanuelle Bekkers and the restoration of their historic Clarendon Vineyard Estate. Sourced entirely from the estate’s elevated Clarendon vineyard, this limited-release wine redefines McLaren Vale Cabernet with remarkable elegance, aromatic lift, and precision.

The blend comprises 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, with fruit hand-picked from approximately 35-year-old vines growing on the steep, contour-planted Clarendon site. The cool elevation and unique terroir produce a Cabernet that combines the generosity of McLaren Vale with the freshness, fragrance, and structure more commonly associated with cooler-climate expressions.

Winemaking follows Bekkers’ meticulous, low-intervention philosophy. Hand-harvested fruit is carefully sorted before gentle fermentation and maturation in French oak, allowing the vineyard character and varietal purity to remain the focus while enhancing texture and complexity.

The bouquet is intensely aromatic, offering layers of blackcurrant, mulberry, cassis, and boysenberry, complemented by notes of violet, cedar, pencil shavings, graphite, and fresh herbs. Subtle nuances of green olive, nori, black pepper, and dried thyme provide remarkable complexity and classical Cabernet character.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, refined, and beautifully poised, with concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and dark cherry supported by silky, fine-grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity. The inclusion of Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic lift and finesse, while restrained oak adds subtle spice without overshadowing the fruit.

The finish is long, elegant, and persistent, lingering with notes of cassis, cedar, graphite, savoury herbs, and mineral freshness. While already approachable after decanting, the 2023 Bekkers Cabernet Sauvignon has outstanding cellaring potential and is expected to evolve gracefully over the next 15–20 years. It has already received widespread acclaim, including 97 points from Halliday Wine Companion, 96 points from WinePilot, and 95 points from Campbell Mattinson.

A landmark release from one of Australia’s most respected boutique producers, the 2023 Bekkers McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptional expression of Clarendon terroir, combining purity, elegance, and remarkable longevity.