Established in 1980, Pertaringa is a family-owned wine brand based in South Australia’s acclaimed McLaren Vale wine region. Part of Bec Hardy Wines, Pertaringa is owned and operated by Bec, a 6th generation member of and the first female vigneron from one of Australia’s oldest wine families, the Hardys.

Pertaringa’s red wines have been is super recent form and this 2021 Pertaringa Understudy Cabernet Sauvignon is destined to be another popular release. Aromatic with plenty of vibrant plums, cassis and dried herb notes, the palate is flavoursome with with plums and spice, complemented by elegant, smooth tannins and a tight, lingering finish. A McLaren Vale Cabernet of wide appeal, this offers great value drinking at this discounted price. 

“I love everything about this wine. The fruit comes from the Picnic Grounds and Klaveniek vineyards in McLaren Vale. The juice goes into small batch static fermenters before 15 months maturation in new (15%) and aged French oak. This wine is slightly more austere than its sibling Shiraz – that will suit some wine lovers, while others will opt for the lusciousness of the Shiraz – which is only to be expected. An inky maroon colour, we have notes of dry herbs, blackcurrants, olives and bay leaves. There is even a whiff of orange rind apparent, all underpinned by good structure and even better length. Thanks to firm tannins, this wine will improve over time and easily handle six to ten years in a good cellar. A wine ready to take centre stage any time you like. 92 Points. $26. Drink: 2022 – 2032″- Ken Gargett, winepilot.com