Teusner 2018 Teusner & Page Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa 750ml

Teusner & Page is a Cabernet Sauvignon built on a blend of two Barossa regions: the 2018 is 55% Eden Valley and 45% Barossa Valley fruit, with a 5% touch of Shiraz, from vines up to 25 years old, aged 12 months in older French oak barriques. The idea comes from winemaker Kym Teusner’s view of the grape. Eden Valley, grown at altitude, is where Cabernet is, in his words, “more Cabernet-like,” with “a bright expression of classic varietal blackcurrant character, really nice acidity and fine-grained tannins.” Barossa Valley Cabernet, by contrast, “brings what I like to call ‘the tasty factor’ to the glass, loads of rich, generous black fruit.” The contrasting characters, the winery says, “work extraordinarily well when they become companions in the bottle.” The Halliday Wine Companion scored the 2018 93 Points, with this description: “Eden Valley blackcurrant and cassis, Barossa Valley dark chocolate and coffee. Ready to enjoy.” The winery’s tasting note puts it simply: “In classic Teusner style, it’s all about fruit: succulent, generous and accurate. Blackcurrant and cassis signpost cabernet, while juicy density, dark chocolate and coffee declare Barossa.” Another reviewer said it “really speaks to varietal characters of cabernet.” The 2017 vintage of the same wine was described by a critic as one in which “deep, fragrant blackcurrant, cassis and violet are backed by a confident undercurrent of French oak, building a fine yet enduring framework of impressive tannin structure,” a good guide to the house style. It’s a well-balanced Australian Cabernet that avoids both extremes: there’s real Barossa richness, but with the freshness and structure of the cooler Eden Valley. It’s bottled at about 14.5% ABV under screw cap and is ready to drink now, with a few more years of development. Pair it with grilled steak, lamb, and aged cheeses. Origins & Craftsmanship Teusner 2018 Teusner & Page Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Teusner in the Barossa, South Australia, from Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Eden Valley (55%) and Barossa Valley (45%), with a 5% touch of Shiraz, from vines up to 25 years old. It is aged 12 months in older French oak barriques. Bottled under screw cap at about 14.5% ABV, 750ml. Critics Reviews Halliday Wine Companion — 93 Points: “Eden Valley blackcurrant and cassis, Barossa Valley dark chocolate and coffee. Ready to enjoy.” Teusner (winery tasting note): “In classic Teusner style, it’s all about fruit: succulent, generous and accurate. Blackcurrant and cassis signpost cabernet, while juicy density, dark chocolate and coffee declare Barossa.” Kym Teusner, winemaker: “Up there [in Eden Valley], the vineyards produce Cabernet that is ‘more Cabernet-like,’ with bright expression of classic varietal blackcurrant character, really nice acidity and fine-grained tannins. In contrast, Barossa Valley Cabernet brings what I like to call ‘the tasty factor’ to the glass... loads of rich, generous black fruit.” Tasting Profile Nose Blackcurrant, cassis, and violets, with dark chocolate and coffee, and a gentle thread of French oak. Palate Medium- to full-bodied, succulent, and generous, with juicy blackcurrant, cassis, dark chocolate, and coffee, and fine-grained tannin with bright acidity. Finish Long and fruit-driven, with chocolate and fine tannin. Quick Overview Category Details Region Barossa, South Australia (55% Eden Valley / 45% Barossa Valley) Variety Cabernet Sauvignon (with ~5% Shiraz) Vintage 2018 Producer Teusner Vines Up to 25 years old Aging 12 months, older French oak barriques ABV ~14.5% Closure Screw cap Critics Halliday Wine Companion 93 Style / Identity A succulent, balanced Australian Cabernet blending Eden Valley freshness with Barossa richness Aromas & Flavors Blackcurrant, cassis, violets, dark chocolate, coffee Bottle Size 750ml Food Pairings Grilled steak and lamb Barbecue and burgers Mushroom dishes Aged cheddar and hard cheeses Serving Note Decant for 30 minutes; serve at about 62-65°F.