Pauletts, Polish Hill River Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Clare Valley, South Australia, 2017

Neil and Alison Paulett bought this Clare Valley winery in 1983 and have since extended the vineyards and welcomed their son Matthew into the business. Both father and son graduated from Adelaide's famous wine school, Roseworthy, and Neil spent time at Penfolds and Rosemount before branching out on his own. This well-priced red shows off their expertise, fruit-forward and silky smooth. It's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and has some age to add extra complexity. Very open on the nose, with brooding, dark, hedgerow fruits and a hint of boot polish. Subtle oaking doesn't obscure the New World generosity of fruit. Great value.