In the history of Australian wine, Cabernet Sauvignon has always held a place as one of our most revered varieties. While it may not be as in vogue as, say, 20 years ago, the greatest wines are still some of the best that we produce.
Celebrated for its structure, complexity, and capacity to age, Cabernet Sauvignon has been mastered by a select group of winemakers across the country. These producers, have elevated the grape to legendary status, crafting wines that are not only collectable but also deeply reflective of their homes. Here’s a look through nine of Australia’s most exceptional and collectible Cabernet Sauvignons, each with a story as rich as the wine itself.
Yarra Yering Dry Red No. 1 (Yarra Valley, VIC)
History and Legacy:
Yarra Yering was founded by Dr. Bailey Carrodus in 1969, after an extensive search for the perfect vineyard site in the Yarra Valley. Carrodus was a botanist with a deep passion for wine, and his scientific approach to winemaking was revolutionary for the time. He believed in minimal intervention, that great wine was made in the vineyard first and foremost. The site he chose for his iconic estate sits in the Yarra Valley sub-region of Gruyere, at the base of the Warramate Hills.
Sarah Crowe is the current winemaker and CEO at Yarra Yering, joining the winery in 2013. She quickly established herself as a formidable talent, winning multiple awards, including being named Winemaker of the Year by the Halliday Wine Companion in 2017. She's one of the country's most respected winemakers, under her tenure, some of the finest wines ever from Yarra Yering have been born with plenty more to come.
What Makes It Unique:
The Dry Red No. 1 is a Bordeaux-style blend that became an immediate success with its first vintage in 1973. The wine is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot rounding out the blend. Known for its complexity and longevity, it offers layers of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and earthy undertones. In the context of medium-bodied Yarra Valley Cabernet, it's often one of the more muscular expressions of the region and incredibly age-worthy.
Mount Mary Quintet (Yarra Valley, VIC)
History and Legacy:
Mount Mary was established in 1971 by Dr. John Middleton, a Melbourne-based oral surgeon with a deep love for the wines of Bordeaux. Inspired by the great wines of France, he aimed to create a wine of similar elegance and complexity in the Yarra Valley. Mount Mary quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality, cool-climate wines, with the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Triolet all well respected benchmarks of their respective genres, but the five-variety Bordeaux blend, the Quintet is their flagship blend.
Sam Middleton, John’s grandson, is the current winemaker, continuing the family’s legacy of producing wines of remarkable elegance and balance. He has upheld the traditional winemaking methods while introducing subtle innovations to enhance the wines' quality. Sam's leading this great family estate into a new golden age and it's incredibly exciting to witness.
What Makes It Unique:
The Quintet is a Bordeaux-style blend that consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The wine is celebrated for its balance and finesse, offering aromas of cassis, cedar, and tobacco, with a palate that evolves gracefully over decades. It's viewed by many as one of the few Australian wines that can go toe-to-toe with the great wines of Bordeaux. The Middleton family’s commitment to their stunning, now iconic vineyard, has ensured that the Quintet remains one of Australia’s most collectible Cabernets.
Cullen Diana Madeline (Margaret River, WA)
History and Legacy:
Cullen Wines was founded by Dr. Kevin and Diana Cullen in Margaret River in 1971, with a focus on sustainable farming and organic practices. Their daughter, Vanya Cullen, took over as winemaker in 1989 and led the estate’s transition to biodynamic farming in 2003. Vanya’s commitment to sustainability and her innovative approach to winemaking have made Cullen Wines one of the most respected wineries in Australia.
Vanya remains at the helm of Cullen Wines, where she continues to champion sustainable winemaking practices. She is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most influential and innovative winemakers.
What Makes It Unique:
The Diana Madeline is the flagship wine of Cullen Wines, named in honor of Vanya’s mother. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, known for its aromatic complexity and elegance. The wine offers notes of dark cherries, cassis, and violets, supported by fine tannins and a mineral finish. Its energy and ability to age gracefully make it one of Margret River's benchmarks and a pillar of the region. It's a stunning depiction of sensitive farming and winemaking - nailing home that precision and balance beat power any day.
Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River, WA)
History and Legacy:
Moss Wood was established in 1969 by Dr. Bill Pannell, who recognised the potential of Margaret River’s unique terroir. In 1984, Keith Mugford, who had been working at the estate since 1979, took over as winemaker and later as owner, along with his wife Clare. The Mugfords’ dedication to quality and precision in both vineyard management and winemaking has cemented Moss Wood’s reputation as one of Australia’s top wineries.
It's a standard barer for the regional style and quality of Margaret River.
What Makes It Unique:
Moss Wood’s Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its rich, concentrated flavors of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate, with a hint of mint that is characteristic of the Margaret River region. The wine’s structure is supported by firm, yet polished tannins, and a vibrant acidity that ensures it will age beautifully for decades. Moss Wood Cabernet is a benchmark for Australian varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, combining power and finesse in a way that few other wines can match.
Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon (Clare Valley, SA)
History and Legacy:
Wendouree is one of Australia’s most enigmatic and coveted wineries, established in 1893 by Alfred Percy Birks. Whispered in hushed tones, this Clare Valley institution is known for its steadfast adherence to traditional winemaking methods, including dry-farming, hand-picking, and the use of original, old vine stock. Wendouree’s wines are made in very limited quantities, divvied up to their mythical mailing list via a mysterious tiered allocation system - earning them a near-cult following among collectors.
Tony and Lita Brady have owned and operated Wendouree since 1974, continuing the winery’s tradition of low-intervention winemaking. They have maintained Wendouree’s near-cult status by producing wines that are as rare as they are revered.
What Makes It Unique:
Wendouree Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its intense, brooding character, with dense flavors of dark fruit, earth, and spice. The wine is structured with firm, gritty tannins and is designed to age for decades. Its scarcity, combined with its unique, old-world style, makes it one of the most collectible wines in Australia.
Lake's Folly Cabernets (Hunter Valley, NSW)
History and Legacy:
Lake’s Folly, established in 1963 by Dr. Max Lake, a surgeon with a deep passion for wine, chose to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in the Hunter Valley—a region more commonly associated with Shiraz and Semillon. His vision was to create a wine of distinction, and despite the challenges, Lake’s Folly quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional Cabernets.
Rod Kempe has been the winemaker at Lake’s Folly since 2000. Under his guidance, the winery has continued to produce exceptional Cabernets that continues to defy preconceived notions that the Hunter Valley is a two trick pony.
What Makes It Unique:
Lake’s Folly Cabernets are known for their fine tannins, earthy minerality, and savoury character. Often blended with a touch of Petit Verdot or Shiraz, the wine reflects the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley. Its aging potential and distinctive style make it highly sought after by collectors.
Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra, SA)
History and Legacy:
Balnaves is a family-owned winery located in Coonawarra, a region renowned for its terra rossa soils and premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The Balnaves family has been involved in Coonawarra’s viticulture for over a century, with the winery itself being established in 1995. The Tally Reserve, their flagship wine, represents the culmination of the family’s deep knowledge of the region and their commitment to crafting wines of the highest quality.
Peter Bissell has been the winemaker at Balnaves since 1995, working closely with the Balnaves family to produce wines that showcase the best of Coonawarra’s terroir. Bissell’s expertise and passion have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Winemaker of the Year in 2005 by The Age.
What Makes It Unique:
The Tally Reserve is known for its power and concentration. The wine offers intense aromas of blackcurrant, mint, and cedar, which are hallmarks of Coonawarra Cabernet. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with layers of dark fruit, finely structured tannins, and a long, persistent finish. The Tally’s ability to age for decades, developing additional layers of complexity and finesse over time, makes it a highly sought-after wine among collectors who appreciate the unique characteristics of Coonawarra.
Grosset Gaia (Clare Valley, SA)
History and Legacy:
Jeffrey Grosset, a pioneer in Australian Riesling, founded his namesake winery in 1981 in the Clare Valley. While best known for his Rieslings, Grosset also produces the Gaia, a Cabernet blend that has become highly regarded for its quality and expression of terroir. The Gaia vineyard, located on a high-altitude, rocky outcrop, provides a unique site that Grosset has meticulously managed to produce exceptional red wines.
What Makes It Unique:
The Gaia is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, from the Clare Valley's highest altitude site. The wine is distinguished by its purity of fruit—blackcurrant and plum—alongside notes of tobacco and crushed rocks. It’s a wine of great depth and structure, with fine tannins and a refreshing acidity that ensures it will age beautifully. Grosset’s precision in both the vineyard and the winery is evident in every bottle, making Gaia a great cellaring option for 10-15 years.
Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon (South Australia)
History and Legacy:
Penfolds, one of Australia’s most iconic wineries, was established in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife, Mary. Initially, the winery focused on fortified wines, but by the mid-20th century, it began producing the table wines that would make it world-renowned. Bin 707 was introduced in 1964 by Max Schubert, the same visionary winemaker who created the iconic Grange. Schubert’s vision was to create a Cabernet Sauvignon that could stand alongside Grange in terms of quality and longevity.
Today, Peter Gago is the Chief Winemaker at Penfolds, a role he has held since 2002. Gago continues to honour Schubert’s legacy while also innovating and pushing the boundaries of what Australian wine can achieve.
What Makes It Unique:
Bin 707 is often referred to as the "Grange of Cabernet," due to its similar power, intensity, and ability to age. It’s a full-bodied wine, typically sourced from the best vineyards across South Australia, including Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Coonawarra. The wine is aged in 100% new American oak, giving it a bold structure with flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and cedar. Its robust nature and consistent quality have made it a highly collectible wine, prized for its long-term aging potential.