A $22 Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia has brought home a major international trophy from the East Meets West wine competition in California. The 2023 Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has been named Best of Class, cementing its status as a world-class drop at an affordable price.

This latest trophy rounds out an extraordinary run of wins for Taylors Wines over the past three months, with gold medals from competitions in Spain, Argentina, South Africa and the United States. For a wine first released in 1973, the staying power of the Estate Cabernet on the global stage is impressive.

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The rise of the Clare Valley and Limestone Coast Cabernet also reflects a broader trend. Demand for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon has surged, with exports up 21 per cent to $537 million in the past year. At home, mid-priced reds between $15 and $30 are holding strong as people look for premium quality without the premium price tag.

In the glass, the Estate Cabernet delivers all the hallmarks of a classic South Australian red. Blackcurrant, spice and eucalyptus aromas meet hints of mint and violets. French oak ageing adds a touch of cedar and dark chocolate, balancing vibrant fruit with a silky finish.

It’s been an exceptional week for Taylors Wines, with the winery named Best Australian Producer at the Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards in Germany. It also took out the Top International Wine Trophy for its 2023 Jaraman Shiraz in South Africa and won Best Vintage Section Shiraz back home at the Clare Valley Wine Show for its 2024 Heritage Shiraz.

The 2023 Taylors Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is available at wine retailers nationwide and online for RRP $22.