Berton Metal Label Cabernet Sauvigon 20

Australia is one of the world's largest wine-producing entities; however, you wouldn't know by the shelf space their wines currently occupy in bottle shops here and abroad. After the invasion of countless "critter wines," all adorned with cute, outback animals on the label, most wine-lovers went out of their way to avoid Australian wine.

It's been incredibly difficult for the Australian winegrowers to get over the stereotypical image of fuzzy animal labels and crappy over-manufactured wine in the bottle. Further contributing to the problem, the pandemic has been more difficult for Australian vignerons since they largely depend on long international shipping routes for many of their supplies -- especially French oak barrels. Adding to this pile-on of adversity, last year, the Chinese placed crippling tariffs on Australian wine, grinding exports to China to a screeching halt.

I'm happy to report that despite the hardship, Australia is coming back strong. A new wave of high-quality wines is arriving in the U.S., and many of these independent family-owned estates are entering the American market for the first time. Folks like Bob and Cherie Berton are helping to make this happen.

Berton Vineyards was established in 1996 by Bob and Cherie Berton when they purchased a block of land in High Eden, a subregion of the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Their idyllic property sits in the highest part of the Barossa, about 500 meters above sea level. The soil structure here is perfect for growing Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

From humble beginnings, Berton Vineyards has grown into one of the 20 largest Wineries in Australia. Their wines have received top reviews and accolades both domestically and internationally, and after a sip or two of their Meatal Label Cab, it's easy to agree.

In your glass, this super-smooth Cab features aromas of black currant and blackberry jam with just a whisper of vanilla from aging in French oak. The palate presents tones of ripe blackberry and plum wrapped in ripe, velvety smooth tannins. It's well-balanced from the first sip all the way through the lengthy finish.

You'll love this one if you're a fan of smooth, easy-drinking Cabs like the Atom, Dead Canyon, Deloach, and Crosby. Pair this with grilled meats and poultry. It's also a terrific burger Cab, and its smooth-as-silk texture makes it an excellent porch-sipping Cab as well.