Zonte’s Footstep, Fleurieu (Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 Laced with a little Tempranillo, this Aussie Cabernet lives up to its name with delicious fruit recalling blackberries as well as black cherries.  Thankfully, there’s no heavy overlay of oak to obscure the very flavorful fruit, which shows great purity thanks to judicious timing on picking, with no over-ripe notes.  Pair with robust foods, but don’t worry about overwhelming more modest fare like duck or a pork chop, as this is so well balanced that it will prove very versatile at the table.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2019 San Diego International Wine and Spirits Challenge.