The 2017 vintage is out of this reliable Cabernet from Wakefield, one that blends the best of two different regions in South Australia. If you don’t mind a minty, eucalyptus touch to your rich red wines, you’ll love this one.

Wakefield 2017 Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon — South Australia ($24.95)
Just released at the LCBO, this perennially accomplished blend of prime fruit from two great parcels in South Australia (56% Clare Valley, 44% Coonawarra Valley) offers up the usual herbal note of After Eight dark chocolate dinner mints, as well as olives, cigar box and dark fruit such as blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry. The palate stays with that dark fruit and a touch of cedar and oak, but quite fine tannins. It’s pretty much full bodied with a marble-smooth texture and a long finish. The alcohol is 14.5%, but, as usual with this wine, it doesn’t smell or taste that strong. 91