Fowles Wine 'Are you Game' Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
This Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Strathbogie Ranges in Central Victoria, one of Australia’s most distinctive cool-climate regions. Perched at elevations between 400 and 600 meters, the vineyards sit atop ancient granite outcrops and sandy loam soils that offer both excellent drainage and natural mineral tension. The high altitude and continental influence bring cold nights and sunny days, producing grapes with slow, even ripening and fine natural acidity. The 2021 vintage was an ideal year for balance—a mild growing season with well-timed rainfall that allowed for extended hang time without excessive heat stress. The result is a Cabernet that unites ripe fruit depth with herbal lift and structural clarity, expressing the rugged elegance of the Strathbogie landscape. For added intrigue, they blended in 10% Merlot. 

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Winemaker Matt Fowles crafts the “Are You Game?” series to embody the house philosophy of “wine for the wild”—vibrant, approachable wines designed to pair with game meats and outdoor fare. Grapes are harvested in small parcels at optimal ripeness, then destemmed and fermented in stainless steel with gentle pump-overs to ensure color and tannin integration without harshness. The wine is aged in a combination of French and American oak for 12 months, with a modest portion of new barrels to add spice and roundness while preserving bright fruit. Minimal fining and filtration maintain texture and vitality. The finished wine shows 14.5% alcohol, a hallmark of the cool-climate restraint that distinguishes Fowles’ Cabernet from its warmer Australian counterparts.

Tasting Notes
The 2021 “Are You Game?” Cabernet Sauvignon opens with inviting aromas of black cherry, cassis, and mulberry, accented by dried sage, tobacco leaf, and cracked pepper. Hints of cedar, mocha, and bay laurel emerge as the wine breathes, lending complexity to its aromatic profile. On the palate, the texture is supple yet firm, delivering juicy layers of blackcurrant, plum, and dark chocolate balanced by a fine line of acidity and silky, grain-coated tannins. Mid-palate richness evolves toward a finish that’s dry, savory, and subtly earthy, with lingering notes of graphite, mint, and roasted coffee bean. The wine strikes a perfect balance between cool-climate finesse and Cabernet’s innate structure, offering a polished yet energetic drinking experience.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–64 °F (16–18 °C) after a brief 20-minute decant to open up the aromatics. This Cabernet shines with grilled or roasted meats—especially kangaroo, venison, or lamb backstrap—as well as pepper-crusted beef tenderloin, rosemary game pie, or duck breast with cherry glaze. For a casual pairing, try it with herb-marinated lamb burgers or chargrilled portobello mushrooms. The wine’s balance of fruit and savory notes makes it a natural companion to earthy sides like roasted beets, lentils, or mushroom risotto. Best enjoyed now through 2028, though it will develop added complexity with short-term cellaring.