Wine: Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Country: Australia
Region: Margaret River
When you mention Australian Cabernet, most wine consumers immediately think of the expensive, full-blown, high alcohol Cabs from Barossa Valley. But cooler growing regions, like Margaret River, Coonawara and Padthaway are also producing quality wines at a comfortable price level. A few years back I had an Aussie wine manager, James Alexander, who extolled the virtues of Margaret River wines. He, like me, prefers elegance and finesse to power and muscle when it comes to red wines. He talked me into carrying Ringbolt Cabernet, and it is now a staple in my shop. Customers ask, how can a $16.50 Cabernet be as good as you say it is? I have a stock reply – buy it and that will answer your question.