Wines Unspecified River Lands - Cabernet Shiraz

River Lands’ Cabernet Shiraz is an Australian red blend, delivered here in a non-vintage format. This traditionally styled wine marries two of the country’s flagship varietals: Cabernet, which generally brings structure and notes of blackcurrant, and Shiraz, renowned in Australia for its lush fruit, spice, and richness. While it is not possible to pinpoint an exact year for this bottling, the house style aims for a crowd-pleasing balance of ripeness, medium to full body, and supple tannins, likely the result of a combination of stainless-steel and perhaps some oak ageing, which is common practice in the region.

This wine comes from South Australia, a region synonymous with some of the world’s most dynamic and reliable wines. South Australia’s warm and dry Mediterranean climate is well suited to both Cabernet and Shiraz, allowing grapes to achieve robust ripeness while maintaining essential acidity. The soils here vary from sandy loam on river plains to richer clay and limestone terrains inland, helping to impart both fruit clarity and depth. The region boasts a long history of winemaking, and its name is a byword for consistency and quality, underpinned by both large-scale producers and smaller boutique estates.

With its generous fruit character and approachable style, River Lands Cabernet Shiraz is an immensely versatile food wine. It stands up beautifully to grilled or roasted meats, such as beef ribeye, lamb chops, or barbequed sausages. It would also suit richly sauced pasta dishes, like a classic lasagne, or a hearty mushroom risotto. For an authentic Australian touch, try it with a peppered kangaroo steak or lamb with rosemary. Strong hard cheeses make another delightful pairing.

Best enjoyed at 16-18°C, allow the wine a brief period to breathe after opening so the aromatics can fully unfold in the glass. This will enhance both the fruit and spice notes, creating an inviting and rewarding tasting experience.