‘Leo’ Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Gold Medal
James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge 2023

96 Points
James Halliday Wine Companion – Shanteh Wale 2025

“100% cabernet sauvignon from vines aged on average 30-plus years. Matured in 100% new French oak. Its pedigree is clear, with concentrated blackcurrant, cassis and inky cherries in syrup. Coffee grinds and cardamom pods. It’s tightly wired and incredibly youthful, with an understated line of rosemary and twiggy herbs. This will go a long way with its ethereally fine tannins and indomitable fruit core. From a celebrated vintage; this is worth the investment for the future.”

94 Points
The Real Review, Stuart Knox

“Ink-black core. Blackberry preserve, cola, black olive and cedar shavings on the nose. Rich and ripe black fruits fill with intensity and power. Dark spices, leather, chocolate and cedar notes all entwine across the palate, with fine-grained yet persistent tannins allowing it to flow and glide with control and poise. It’s in its infancy now; it has had enough time to integrate, but cellaring will reveal more and more in time.”

94 Points
Vinous, Angus Hughson

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Nightfall Leo’ Coonawarra is poised, with fragrant cassis and chocolate mint aromas with a beautiful lining of fine oak. Dry and mid-weight, this delivers an impressive fruit drive in a riper style, which leads to a lengthy, balanced finish hinged to firm yet fine tannins. Already drinking well but with admirable staying power.”

94 Points
Qwine Reviews

“It was a great exercise tasting this Nightfall Leo Cabernet 2021 beside its 2019 sibling. For now, the 2021 is in a better place, but as with both, offer them the time they deserve and you’ll be rewarded. Very Cabernet, this 2021 shows more fruit than the savoury 2019. Expect to be greeted by blackberries and blackcurrants, cherry liqueur cedar, dark chocolate and host of dried herbs lead by dried sage. Drying, sapping and puckering, there is plenty of chew with fine tannins armed to shape a long future. I’d be keen to revisit this after a decade.”

94 Points
James Suckling.com, Ryan Montgomery

“Quite robust and savory with aromas of blackcurrants, cedar, eucalyptus, dark chocolate and plums. The palate is full-bodied with a creamy texture and fine-grained tannins, showing blackberry compote and minerals. Nicely balanced and bold with a rustic edge.”

Bronze
2024 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge

Bronze – 85 Points
Limestone Coast Wine Show 2023