Cabernet Sauvignon    2021

Cavaliere

Cavaliere Cabernet Sauvignon Wine from Curtis Family Vineyards
International Silver Wine Challenge 2026 logo with 93 points

Elegant and refined, Curtis Cavaliere Cabernet Sauvignon Wine is a tribute to timeless sophistication. Crafted with finesse and care, this wine delivers beautifully balanced flavours and a smooth, polished finish. It’s a noble expression of McLaren Vale’s winemaking heritage – graceful, yet full of character.

Sale price$70.00

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Package: 1 Bottle

Luigi Curtis - Cavaliere, Medaglia D’Oro

He was bestowed these two highly prestigious awards for his military service during World War I.

The title ‘Cavaliere’ is equivalent to Knighthood and is bestowed to persons of exceptional character, with the ‘Medaglia D’Oro’ being the highest military award.

Luigi Curtis, 1894 - 1975


We commemorate our great-grandfather with the release of this label in honour of his toil, integrity & strength of character.

Luigi Curtis - Cavaliere, Medaglia D’Oro

He was bestowed these two highly prestigious awards for his military service during World War I.

The title ‘Cavaliere’ is equivalent to Knighthood and is bestowed to persons of exceptional character, with the ‘Medaglia D’Oro’ being the highest military award.

Luigi Curtis, 1894 - 1975


We commemorate our great-grandfather with the release of this label in honour of his toil, integrity & strength of character.
AWARDS

2021

2021

Gold Medal – Asia International Wine Competition
95 points – Asia International Wine Competition
Gold Medal – International Sommeliers Choice Awards
96 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit
95 points – Ray Jordan, The Wine Pilot
94 points – Russ Gallagher, Vinomasters
94 points – Campbell Mattinson
94 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
93 points – International Wine Challenge 2026
93 points – International Sommeliers Choice Awards
93 points – Lisa Cardelli, The Wine Pilot
93 points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
92 points – Cyndal Petty, Wine Pilot
92 points – Ned Goodwin MW
91 points – Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot

2019

2019

Best National Producer Of The Year – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge 2024

South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Of The Year – Melbourne International Wine Competition


Gold Medal – Melbourne International Wine Competition
Gold Medal – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge
95 points – Melbourne International Wine Competition
94 points – Mike Bennie, Wine Business Magazine
94 points – Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
94 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit
94 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
94 points – Patrick Eckel, Winereviewer.com.au
93 points – Lisa Cardelli, Wine Pilot
92 points – Ned Goodwin MW
90 points – Bob Campbell, The Real Review

Before 2019

Before 2019

96 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit (Vintage 2018)
95 points – John Clark, The Wine Panel (Vintage 2018)
95 points – Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (Vintage 2018)
94 points – Wine Showcase Magazine (Vintage 2018)
94 points – Andy Lloyd, The Wine Panel (Vintage 2018)
93 points – Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot (Vintage 2018)
93 points – Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (Vintage 2018)
95 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit (Vintage 2017)
94 points – Sam Kim Wine Orbit (Vintage 2015)
94 points – James Halliday Wine Companion (Vintage 2015)
91 points – Patrick Eckel, Winereviewer.com.au (Vintage 2015)
4½ stars – Winestate magazine, Wine of the Year (Vintage 2015)

WINEMAKING

Curtis Family Vineyards sources fruit from a combination of owned vineyards and premium McLaren Vale growers. 

The blend of individual vineyards and sub-regional characteristics is the key to the resulting style.

Handpicked in the cool of early morning and slowly destemmed and roller table sorted to maintain whole berries, retained for aromatic lift. 

Berries and juice are then chilled down to allow for cold soaking to encourage early colour stabilisation and gentle phenolic release.

Fermented in small open fermenters with daily air purging and rummaging delicately, allowing gentle pump-overs as the cap softened. Peak fermentation temperatures are held at 18–20°C to preserve dark fruit aromatics while allowing full extraction.

The wine completed malolactic fermentation in barrel and matured for 36 months in a selection of fine-grained French oak  & American Oak hogsheads, 100% new. 

This patient aging process allows the wine to develop remarkable complexity while softening its structure and integrating subtle oak characteristics with the fruit's natural expression.

The extended barrel aging bestows the wine with sophisticated layers of flavour and a refined texture that complements the varietal's inherent silkiness. 

This careful maturation transforms excellent fruit into an exceptional wine, creating depth and nuance that only time can provide.

Aging potential 10 - 40 years

TASTING NOTE

The nose exhibits aromas of ripe black currents and dark plum followed by some spice notes.

Full-bodied and possessing a plump texture the palate delivers rich juicy flavours of ripe blackberry, dark chocolates, licorice and spice. Soft velvety tannins. Good depth with medium to long aftertaste of blackberry, milk chocolate and spice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does Curtis Cavaliere Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?

    It delivers ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, and blackberry flavours layered with chocolate, spice, and subtle oak, finishing with smooth, velvety tannins and a polished structure.

  • What is the alcohol content of Cavaliere Cabernet Sauvignon?

    This wine sits at around 14% ABV, offering a full-bodied yet balanced drinking experience.

  • Is Cavaliere Cabernet Sauvignon dry or slightly sweet?

    It is a dry wine, but the ripe fruit and soft tannins create a rounded, smooth mouthfeel, making it feel approachable rather than harsh.

  • How long can I cellar this wine?

    It can be enjoyed now but also has the structure to age for up to 10–15 years, gaining more complexity over time.

  • Does this wine need decanting before serving?

    Yes—decanting for 30–45 minutes helps soften tannins and enhances its aromatic complexity.

  • What makes this Cabernet Sauvignon feel smooth compared to others?

    Its oak maturation and balanced tannin structure create a silky, polished finish, rather than an overly firm or aggressive profile.

  • Is this wine suitable for beginners or only experienced drinkers?

    It suits both—its smooth tannins and balanced profile make it accessible for beginners, while still offering enough depth for experienced drinkers.

  • What makes Cavaliere Cabernet Sauvignon different from premium Cabernet wines?

    It focuses on elegance and balance rather than overpowering intensity, making it a more refined and easy-drinking premium option.