Macaw Creek Preservative Free Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Minty cassis & polished tannin

A seriously satisfying Cabernet for anyone who loves that classic Aussie mint-and-cassis signature — but wants it in a smooth, easy-drinking shape. You’ll get ripe plum and blackcurrant depth, a fresh minty lift, and a neat mocha/vanillin oak thread. The palate stays dry and full-flavoured, with a soft, ripe-fruit middle and a fine, firm tannin finish that’s made for food.

Highlights

• Certified organic, vegan-suitable, and no added preservatives
• Total sulphur dioxide: 0 ppm (no added sulphites)
• Gold Medal: 2025 Melbourne International Wine Competition
• Plum, mint and cassis with mocha/vanillin oak
• Dry style (residual sugar 0.3 g/L)
• 14.0% ABV

Tasting Notes

Deep plum colour with purple hues. Aromas of ripe plum, mint and cassis, with hints of mocha and vanillin oak. The palate is dry and full-flavoured, with soft, ripe blackcurrant fruit and a fine, firm tannin finish.

Winemaking

Made in an elegant, approachable Cabernet style, with oak used for subtle mocha/vanillin support rather than heavy toast. The “preservative free” approach means no sulphur dioxide is added, with total SO2 measured at 0 ppm.

Vineyard & Vintage

Produced from organic Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. The numbers back up the fresh, food-ready shape: acidity 6.6 g/L, pH 3.36 and residual sugar 0.3 g/L.

Why We Love It

It’s classic Cabernet comfort without the heaviness — minty lift, cassis depth, and tannins that feel polished rather than grippy. Plus, if you’re looking for no added sulphites without compromising flavour, this is a very smart bottle to keep on hand.

Food Pairing

This Cabernet loves anything with char, pepper and savoury richness. Think steak, lamb, slow-cooked dishes, and spiced legumes that mirror the wine’s plum-and-mocha warmth.

Try matching this wine with →

• Chargrilled steak — Find a Recipe
• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder — Find a Recipe
• Harissa chickpea stew (vegan) — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

Your “cosy dinner + a proper red” moment — when you want something reliable, warming and quietly impressive.

Cellaring

Drink now for bright cassis and minty lift, or cellar 2–4 years for a more savoury, mellow profile.

Producer

Macaw Creek is a South Australian producer known for certified organic wines and an impressively strong wine-show track record. Their preservative-free releases are all about keeping flavour front and centre — generous fruit, tidy oak, and structure that stays friendly at the table.

Related Wines To Try →

If you love this style, add these to your next mixed dozen:

• Same producer, plush and peppery with dark-fruit depth — Macaw Creek Organic Preservative Free Shiraz
• Best-value “no added sulphites” Cabernet alternative — Organic Wine No Added Preservative Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pack option (easy top-up for your preservative-free stash) — Macaw Creek Preservative Free Reds Pack

FAQ

What does J7 Creek Preservative Free Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 taste like?

Plum, mint and cassis, with a subtle mocha/vanillin oak note. It’s dry, full-flavoured and finishes with fine, firm tannins that make it very food-friendly.

Is this wine actually preservative-free?

Yes — in this case it’s genuinely preservative-free, because the winery lists total sulphur dioxide as 0 ppm. “No added preservative” wines can still contain up to around 10 ppm of naturally occurring sulphites from fermentation, but 10 ppm is the threshold where those natural sulphites can effectively be ignored. With 0 ppm listed here, it sits comfortably in the preservative-free zone.

Is it dry or sweet?

Dry. Residual sugar is very low (0.3 g/L), so it won’t taste sweet — even though the fruit feels ripe and generous.

Is it vegan friendly?

Yes — it’s listed as vegan friendly.

What should I eat with it?

Chargrilled steak, slow-cooked lamb, burgers, hard cheeses, or a vegan harissa chickpea stew. Anything smoky, peppery or savoury is a great match.

How should I serve it?

Serve at 16–18°C. If it’s been warm, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. A quick splash decant (or 10 minutes in a big glass) helps the minty aromatics lift.

Who will love Macaw Creek Preservative Free Cabernet Sauvignon 2021?

If you love classic mint-and-cassis Cabernet, want a dry red with structure for food, and prefer no added sulphites, this is an easy yes.

(SKU: MC_Cab_CV)