2022 The Dorrien Bank Cabernet Sauvignon

Reviews

"Dorrien Cabernet Sauvignon has always had a touch of class, a memory first planted by the great Cabernets produced in the Barossa sub-region by Seppelt. The Dorrien Bank vineyard – situated on the sandy loam bank of the Para River – doesn’t disappoint in producing an engaging, flavoursome Cabernet that sings. Black as night in hue. Graphite, pencil lead oak notes combine with loganberry, blackberry, crushed herbs, mint and spice aromas. There’s no denying that Dorrien Bank is big in personality, full-on in the richness and oak stakes, but it handles it so well. The winemaker’s hand has constructed one smart Cabernet full of flavour, structure and interest. Chocolate, liquorice, earth, leather, nutmeg and a whisper of gentle leafiness join forces with woodsy oak spice to command the drinker’s attention. And then it keeps it. Bravo. 96 Points." - Jeni Port, Wine Pilot

"Superbly fruited and enticing, the wine shows cassis, toasty oak, olive, warm spice and vanilla characters, leading to a wonderfully weighted palate offering rich texture backed by finely pitched tannins, finishing persistent and structured. Wonderfully styled with delectable varietal flavours, making it highly enjoyable. At its best: 2026 to 2040. 96 Points." - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"The fruit was sourced from the Dorrien subregion which sits on the left bank of the Para River that cuts through the Barossa Valley. It’s such a smooth and seamlessly woven cabernet that has been worked with a mix of new and older French oak for about 18 months. Powerful varietal blackcurrant and savoury plum aromas with a subtle cedary influence. The tannins are quite chalky and firm which suits the power and intensity of the fruit. Bright and lively with great length. Well-suited to cellaring. 95 Points." - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

"Classic left bank cabernet sauvignon. Left bank of the Para River that is, in the famed subregion of Dorrien. Deep magenta/crimson with fruit aromas of plush blackberry, black cherry and blackcurrant. Nary a herbaceous note to be found. It's all layered spice, licorice, créme de cassis, kirsch, tobacco pouch and softly spoken cedar tones. Weighty and wonderfully ripe and silken, tannins superfine and melting back into the black fruits and finishing long, fruit pure with a slightly savoury lean. 95 Points." - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion

"After a boundary realignment with a neighbour in 2019, Hewitson acquired 3 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon. Planted in 1996 in the sub-region of Dorrien on the left bank of the Para River that runs through the Barossa, it was re-worked over 3 years ‘from head to toe.’ Winemaking sees 10% whole bunch in the ferment and held on skins for 3 weeks with 18 months maturation in new and used French oak barriques. Opens with dark chocolate coating blackcurrant, raspberry and cassis aromas. Spearmint highlight over tobacco pouch and rain drenched eucalypts. Oak presents a touch of spice, cedar and vanilla. The medium body offers plenty of red fruit fleshiness with just-picked blackberry freshness and lift, supported by black olive savouriness. Tannins are ripe and supple, the oak giving a kiss of spice through a tail focused and long. 94 Points." - Regan Drew, Wine Pilot

"Planted in 1996, grapes for this new red from Dean Hewitson were estate-grown in the famous Dorrien sub-region that lies on the left bank of the Para River running through the Barossa Valley. The 2022 Dorrien Bank is bright and understandably youthful in the glass, with aromas of blackcurrant and boysenberry underpinned with baked plum pie, light leafy mint notes and the savoury French oak of vanilla, cedar and chocolate. Full-bodied, it has the richness of a Cadbury’s fruit and nut chocolate bar in great balance with fine acidity weaving throughout and chewy tannins to finish. 94 Points." - Melissa Moore, Wine Pilot

"From a vineyard planted in 1996 that came into the Hewitson fold in 2019, after several years of serious vineyard rehabilitation, we now have this 100% Barossa Cab. 10% whole bunches incorporated and then 18 months in a mix of new and older French oak barriques. A deep, dark maroon hue, the nose offers up aromas of violets, chocolate, florals, orange rind, bergamot and tobacco leaves. A most expressive nose. I’d be fascinated to see what wine lovers would opt for if this was presented in a blind tasting. A cracking wine but I’m not certain it is definitely obviously varietal Cabernet (or definitely obviously varietal anything). Of course, nothing wrong with a wine just being great drinking. The palate moves to characters of aniseed, mulberries and blueberries. This is seamless in structure, a wine of medium weight with very fine tannins. Well balanced, expect this to give pleasure for at least eight to ten years. Good stuff. 94 Points." - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

"Ink black core, barely fading into deep ruby rim. Heady nose of blackberry pastilles, vanilla cola and cigar leaf aromatics. Rich, plush and full on the palate, sweet black fruits with subtle cola spics and hints of cigar box all flow across the tongue. Good length brought by sandy tannins that carry right to the end, leaving a bone-dry finish. 92 Points." - Stuart Knox, The Real Review

"Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% whole bunch coaxes the black fruit perfume to swirl up and out of the glass. The deep ruby colour pops as does the ripest mulberry and blueberry fruits, vanilla and baking spice oak adds some depth to the fruit profile, reminiscent of a warmed fruit pie. Oak is noticable and so is the fruit but there is no jamminess, just a moderate weight supporting ripe and plush tannins that finish with a chalky attack to liven up your palate ready for the next sip. It really is a juxtaposition of silky ripe fruit and structure. 90 Points." - Annette Lacey MW, Wine Pilot