Hugh Hamilton Villain Cabernet Sauvignon (750mL)

What the Experts Say

(Review is of the 2014 vintage.)

Nice new packaging, I think. Had a quick look at the website, and noted this has 3% Lagrein in it, and don’t quote me on it, but I thought there was something slightly unusual going on here.

Liquorice and black jelly bean, black and red fruit, spicy oak and tobacco. Medium to full bodied, grainy tannin and savoury tobacco and black olive flavours, slightly too tangy acidity, and a pretty long finish with a kind of dried rose perfume. Good stuff. Has a little bit of X-factor in the mix.

92/100 - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

Our Notes

Definite kitchen cabinet thing happening here, moreso if you’re an avid baker with a sweet tooth - Maraschino, dried apricot, smooth chocolate and baking spices. Politely firm tannin brings a level of discipline to the indulgent body. The “Villain” Cab Sav, Hugh Hamilton call it, but definitely one who’d craft a gingerbread house tasty enough to bring in every Hansel & Gretel in the forest - or every red-loving subscriber on our membership rolls.

Winemakers Comments

Renowned as one of the world’s great red grapes, Cabernet arguably finds its greatest expression in the maritime climate of Bordeaux. McLaren Vale is warmer and drier, but shares those maritime conditions.

About the Winery

A sixth-generation family business in various forms, Hugh Hamilton Wines operate a beautiful operation in McLaren Vale. 

The tasting room, with 270-degree views of the surrounding landscape, is constructed with reclaimed wood from the largest wine vat ever constructed in the Southern Hemisphere. With a winemaking philosophy that blends tradition with innovation, that’s a handy visual metaphor!