Mayfield Vineyard Estate Range'Three Boys' Cabernet Blend

The label describes the blending of three Bordeaux varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, all from the cool-climate region of Orange. This is a well-structured, richly flavoursome and rewarding wine. It displays a well-rounded nose and palate of leafy raspberry, blackcurrant and French oak silkiness. The high tannins and grippy, fruit driven finish make it admirably suited to a range of meal styles. Ours delivered equally generously over two nights with an artisanal Neapolitan pizza as well as with grilled lamb chops. One worth chasing and cellaring for a couple of years.

New to the range is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Matured in 8% new oak for 12 months prior to blending. Still settling into its company, the wine is bright with mulberry, hawthorn and black cherries. A touch of sarsaparilla, rose leaf and raspberry jam. Peaks of high acidity and supple, powdery tannins. A chew of apple skin on the finish. Full of possibilities and smart use of judicious oak. Time will tell.

A Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend here (75%), supported by 15% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, from the Orange region. After fermentation, the wine spent a year maturing in a mix of French oak puncheons and hogsheads, with 8% of the hogsheads new. 690 cases. Gentle purple/crimson hues here, the nose is strawberries to the fore with floral notes and red cherries evident. A hint of tobacco leaves, delicatessen meats and blackcurrants. The wine is of medium length, with slightly chewy tannins and offers a good tight palate. A lovely wine for enjoying over the next five years.

The Three Boys Cabernets from Mayfield Vineyard hits the ground for the first time in 2023. From a cool year, this is a bright and vibrant style that sees just 8% new French oak. A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (75/15/10), scents of purple flowers and blueberries get things on the move. Alive with blackcurrants, bright red cherries and red fruits, there is a red apple like crunch on close that you wouldn't expect when these three varieties come together. It's a tidy debut and one which will win over a new breed of Cabernet fans. Drink to five years.

Bright purple in colour, lively bouquet of plums and raspberries with a dash of dried herbs and florals. Silky smooth, beautiful rounded palate with oodles of deep rich flavours and a swish elegant finish. TOP of the CLASS!!!

I love the youthful and vibrant purple colour this wine has in the glass. It’s a little plummy on the nose with a slight floral note too, but it’s the blue fruit aromas that shine. This medium bodied wine is full of black and blue fruits that run smoothly and effortlessly across the palate as they are joined by gentle oak with a slight tannin influence on a pretty good finish. The youthfulness of this wine is evident but it is already an approachable and very easy drinking Cabernet blend. So much so, it is easy to see that these three boys are perfect together too.

Red berry and blackcurrant nose with a whiff of leafiness. Vibrant fruit with fine tannins. Very drinkable. ★★★★

This is so light and bright it could almost be 'Low Alcohol', but 12 per cent is not quite light enough. Fruity but sharp at the same time and quite unusual for cabernet. Have a sunny lunch and have a crack.