Yalumba Cabernet Sauvignon The Y Series 2016

When playing in the cheap and cheerful field of low-priced Cabs, it's worth putting in a few bucks over a tenner for a solid wine like Yalumba's. There's nothing life-changing here but it's varietally accurate and balanced, with notes of plush cassis and dark cherry fruit, mocha, black olives, green pepper and warm pavement.

While it lacks some finesse, it is nevertheless balanced with savory tannins and an earthy graphite core.