Taylors ST Andrews Cabernet 2019

St Andrews is Taylors' flagship, premium range, grown on a single Auburn vineyard within the family's Clare Valley estate — sheltered east-facing slopes chosen specifically for Cabernet, on a property with vines dating to 1891. In 2025 a reviewing critic (Wine Enthusiast) found the 2019 showing luscious black cherry, mocha, dried mint and toasted coconut oak with a touch of bottle age, lovely fresh, tangy fruit and an olive-y savouriness, held in tightly wound tannins — with plenty of life left, recommended to drink until 2034.

The wine spends 18 months in French oak, a third of it new and the rest two to three years old. That is where the cedar, cigar box and tobacco come from, sitting behind blackcurrant pastille and bramble. There is a mint and eucalyptus edge too, with spearmint and old gum forest in the mix. It is full, dark and potent at 14.5 percent alcohol, though the tannins stay fine and elegant. Jim's Cellars calls 2019 a challenging vintage in Clare, which makes the polish here more impressive.

Critics split on when to open it. Cameron Douglas MS calls it taut and youthful and puts the best drinking from 2029 to beyond 2039. Vino Notebook says it is in a lovely window now with years ahead. Both are right. Decant it for an hour if you open one this year, and keep the rest lying down.