Cycles gladiator cabernet sauvignon 2018 (Hahn Family Wines)

Cellar for up to 3 years. No need to decant before serving. The racy label that graces this bottle actually led to the wine being banned in the US state of Alabama, catapulting the winery into the limelight both at home and abroad. Luckily this big, dark and handsome Cab does live up to the seductive imagery, flaunting alluring aromas of red cherry jam, cardamom and cedar which deepen and intensify on the palate to ripe blackcurrants and blackberries. Behind these luscious ripe fruit flavours that dominate the entry there’s a distinctive earthy and spicy character that reminds of a cigar box and a satisfyingly firm structure. This multi-layered wine is an excellent steak companion thanks to the full body and powerful flavours, although the Gladiator Cab also partners well with hearty tomato pasta dishes or smoky meat from a simple summer barbecue. Each year winemaker Adam LaZarre carefully selects the grapes for this wine from quality vineyards in California’s Central Coast region. The area is blessed with numerous appellations which produce top Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing Adam to customise his own blend and choose grapes which can give a focused expression of both the variety and the terroir while still offering amazing value for money. Adam also mixes in a little Merlot and Syrah in the blend to bring a touch of spice and softness on the palate.