Malbec's plush, velvety fruit softens cabernet's firmer structure in 'Camellia', Fetherston's 2023 Cabernet-Malbec blend from Victoria.

Blackcurrant and cabernet's usual leafy edge sit alongside darker plum and a violet lift from the malbec, giving the blend more generosity than a straight cabernet would show. A faint graphite quality in the background hints at the cabernet still doing some of the structural work even as the malbec fruit leads, and a touch of dark chocolate rounds out the nose. The palate is rounder and plusher too, with the fruit carrying real weight through the middle.

Tannins are medium to firm but well-covered by fruit, landing on a medium to full body with a smooth, velvety finish. The two varieties balance each other well, cabernet's firmness kept in check by malbec's roundness rather than either one dominating.

It's built for a proper steak, roast beef, or a firm, aged cheddar that can match its weight.

There's enough structure here to hold for another three to four years, though the fruit is already generous enough to enjoy now.