McLaren Vale has won more Trophies and Gold medals for Cabernet than for Shiraz and this is attributed to the ocean influence and associated cooling breezes. Globally it is believed that the best Cabernets come from districts with a maritime location, a view developed from the French understanding of flavour development. The striking Australian maritime example is Margaret River, W.A. where the first plantings date to the mid to late 1960s.
Note that assumptions about taste depend on the bias of those judging and currently they favour cooler regions over warmer regions like McLaren Vale. Oddly enough McLaren Vale is further south in latitude than Margaret River yet is warmer not cooler.
The influence of the ocean is different as McLaren Vale is protected by the direct ocean weather by the deflection of the Gulfs which also allows the inland heat to push further south. Being from the highly rated 2021 vintage this wine is substantial with the alcohol a favourable 15.5%.
