Three Dark Horses The Bandy Cabernet Sauvignon

The Bandy is back baby! This is the highly anticipated annual release of this very special Aussie red made by Three Dark Horses. Not so long ago these guys were listed as one of James Halliday’s ten “Dark Horse” wineries to keep an eye on. And you know what they say, never underestimate a dark horse.

Produced in very small quantities with the majority heading to a select few outlets in NZ – in fact the only other place you’ll find it across the ditch is right there at the cellar door. The whole aim of the game is to produce a wow-factor Aussie red that over delivers in every aspect.

We’ve consistently labelled this as one of the best value Aussie reds to lay your mits on all year. Since its debut 2016 release this wine has won two Trophies, two Golds and two 5 Star reviews!

The 2022 is here (a 1-in-30 year McLaren Vale vintage that winemaker Matt is seriously excited by) and boy oh boy, are you getting one seriously good Cabernet here for your money! It’s had all the bells and whistles treatment of a wine worth heaps more…

* From an excellent 2022 McLaren Vale vintage
* Small batch, limited release
* 100% McLaren Vale Cabernet with fruit from the highly acclaimed Blewitt Springs vineyard
* 100% basket pressed (an expensive, labour intensive winery tool used to produce high quality juice!)
* Old vines up to 52 years old
* Aged 14 months in French & American oak (25% new!)
* A portion of fruit hand picked

So how good is the wine? It’s good. Really, really good. It’s what we like to call a Cabernet for Shiraz lovers. A dark, inky colour in the glass, medium to full bodied big, rich style that’s packed full of dark berry fruit flavours with a long, luxurious finish. All this for a little over $17?!

Who are the Three Dark Horses? They are winemaker Matt Broomhead, Alan (Dad) and the late Frank Broomhead senior. The Bandy is a tribute to Frank and the legend of him rounding up large mobs of wild horses back in the 1920s as a young seventeen year old. “The wine is a tribute to him…Like the horses, it is a little bit wild, and like my Great Grandfather, it will get better with age.”

Clearly Halliday rates these guys in picking them as part of his “Dark Horse” wineries (no pun intended!) a few years back – “I’m very confident that Matt Broomhead’s venture is destined for greater things in coming years, as its newly acquired vineyard and onsite winery.”

Don’t hesitate. This horse is ready to bolt and just like in EVERY vintage of this wine the demand outstrips the supply. You will absolutely love this wine right now – but if you can resist temptation and hide some in the cellar for 5+ years and you’ll be seriously rewarded for it!

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