By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
In the world of wine, the term ‘value’ often conjures images of modest bottles tucked away on supermarket shelves, offering little more than a quick sip.
So, there’s something undeniably thrilling about discovering a wine that feels far more expensive than its price tag suggests and Taylors Wines’ 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is exactly that kind of revelation.
At just $22, this Clare Valley gem has quietly rewritten the rules, proving that world-class quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price. Now, thanks to a Best of Class trophy at California’s 2025 East Meets West Competition, it has the credentials to prove it.
Pour a glass and it’s immediately clear why this Cabernet has been quietly turning heads. The nose is an irresistible mix of deep blackcurrant, spicy eucalyptus and a flirtatious hint of mint and violets, each aroma layered like the chapters of a compelling novel.
Sip it and the story unfolds further: rich dark chocolate and whisperings of cedar mingle with the bright, juicy fruit. The texture is silky, the finish lingering, a wine that seems to roll over your tongue and then settle comfortably in your chest, like slipping into a favourite leather armchair. It’s comfort and elegance in perfect balance, and for $22, it almost feels free.
This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan trophy grab. The 2023 Estate Cabernet is the culmination of a three-month sprint of international dominance, collecting gold medals from Spain, Argentina, South Africa and the United States. That alone would be impressive for a top-shelf release, but for a mid-priced, widely accessible wine? It’s nothing short of a coup.
Taylors Wines has proven, once again, that exceptional Australian Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t need to be an exclusive indulgence.
The provenance matters - these grapes come from the storied Clare Valley and Limestone Coast regions of South Australia, where the Taylor family has been shaping world-class wines for three generations. Since 1969, their philosophy has been simple: craft wines that bring people together.
The Estate Cabernet, first released in 1973, has been doing exactly that for more than half a century. Every sip feels steeped in history, yet utterly alive and contemporary, the kind of wine that invites spontaneous celebrations as easily as it elevates a quiet weekday dinner.
There’s a theatricality to this wine too - its ability to surprise. On the palate, there’s a tension between power and finesse, with the French oak giving structure without dominance, dark chocolate adding a sultry whisper and the fruit bursting forward, juicy and unapologetic. It’s the kind of wine that encourages conversation, a bottle to uncork with friends when the night is young, or to savour solo when the world feels heavy.
What makes the 2023 Estate Cabernet truly compelling is its accessibility. In a world where mid-priced reds can sometimes feel like compromises, this is a rare exception: a wine that performs on every stage, whether it’s the dinner table, a festive gathering, or a quiet evening by the fire.
It proves that world-class doesn’t need a five-star price tag and that luxury can come in a bottle that’s comfortably within reach.
Beyond the glass, it’s part of a broader story for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Demand is surging globally and Taylors Wines is leading the charge, demonstrating that Australian reds can compete on the world stage while remaining authentic, affordable and deeply connected to their terroir.
It’s a wine that wears its local pedigree proudly but leaves a lasting global impression.
