Hesketh Wines GAR Cabernet Shiraz 2019

A new take on the classic multi-regional red blends of old, made from Coonawarra Cabernet (Penola) and McLaren Vale (Blewitt Springs) Shiraz, and it’s a winner. I’m sure Andrew Hardy set out to breed a race horse, a Melbourne Cup winner, and he’s succeeded. It’s a strapping young thing, bursting with energy and rearing to go, big and boisterous but with a gentle temper. So much breeding. Glorious red and black fruits touched up with just the right amount of oak, exotic spices and dark chocolate in the background. So silky smooth for such a youngster, with all the elements united in their focus on making the wine greater than the sum of its parts. This red will win hearts and minds and trophies, no doubt about that. OK, it’s a show pony with obvious charms but you can’t take your eyes off it. 97 points, and yes it’s worth the money for once. Made me think of the late sixties grey label reds from Wolf Blass, and that’s a big compliment. Points: 97/100

Best Wines Under $20 ∙ 31st Jan 2023

Coonawarra cabernet and McLaren Vale Shiraz, matured for 18 months in 35% new French oak hogsheads. Coonawarra cabernet is a classic partner with warm-climate South Australian shiraz and this new rendition is set to go down among the greats. Fragrant, taut and fine-boned, it’s packed with spicy, crunchy berry fruits. An intricate mesh of fruit and oak tannins unites with vibrant acid drive, setting off a long finish and grand longevity. Ned Goodwin MW Points: 94/100

James Halliday Wine Companion 2022 ∙ 13th Aug 2021

Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 ∙ 9th Jul 2021

So well melded in every respect, this has dark-berry and plum aromas and flavors with some light herb and bracken on the nose, too. The palate is boldly fleshy and delivers plenty of rich fruit flavor, in the dark-berry and plum zone. Smooth and approachable, yet fleshy and intense. Nicely blended style. Drink or hold. Points: 94/100

jamessuckling.com ∙ 29th Jun 2021

Australia's gift to the red wine world is the Cabernet Shiraz blend. Say hello to the Hesketh GAR, or more precisely the Great Australian Red. The flagship of the Hesketh range, it is firm and dusty with good depth that rides long. A little smokey, dark chocolate and dark plums rattle through. Classic Cabernet traits of blackcurrant and mint go about their work a swell before cigar box skips out late. Rock-solid, this will age well. Drink six years plus. Points: 92/100

qwinereviews.com ∙ 13th May 2021

Deep, bright red/purple colour, with a raspberry and cassis bouquet, fruit-driven. A fragrant wine with some leafy, forest floor, almost humus-like notes. Full-bodied, with tannins that come across a little firm on the palate, lingering on the aftertaste. It's deep and emphatic, but also elegant—even better with protein-rich food, or after a little cellaring. Points: 92/100

The Real Review ∙ 5th May 2021