2022 Nicks Secret UST Cabernet Sauvignon

Matured in a combination of new and seasoned French oak for a period of 15 months this renowned McLaren Vale producer has produced a more refined version of their UST Cabernet Sauvignon than recent past releases.

Richly fruited yet beautifully refined and detailed.

Midnight black core with a deep vibrant dark red black tinged hue. Nosing draws out elevated scents of ripe red to black currants which are complimented by some dried herb, cedary tobacco, dusty earth and spicy black olive notes. Richly fruited yet beautifully refined and detailed, the mid weighted palate sings a chorus of red to black currant fruits which overlay a vanillin cedar, subtle tobacco, earthy dried herb, black olive and spice back drop. A framework of nicely integrated fine grained tannins contribute a sturdy feel. Concludes long, nicely fleshed and elegant. Delivers serious value at this Nicks Secret deal price.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
The vineyards which provided the fruit for this terrific McLaren Vale Cabernet include the Klavenick vineyard and, perhaps more interestingly, the Picnic Ground vineyard. The Picnic Ground vineyard was once owned by Thomas Hardy and was named after the picnics the family held there. The individual parcels for this wine were all fermented and matured, in older French oak, for fifteen months. Dark purple, the nose exhibits notes of plums, mocha, bay leaves, warm earth, dry herbs, mulberries and cigar boxes – lots of complexity here. This is a burly, firm style. A warm climate Cab with excellent length and firm, earthy tannins. This will be better in two years and then has a long life ahead of it, at least a good ten to twelve years, if necessary. If you are looking for a top-notch red for a gourmet barbecue, this will be perfect. Drink 2024-2036.
93 points
Ken Gargett - WinePilot.com