Temple Bruer Preservative Free Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Savoury, Herbal & Food-Friendly

This is a classic Cabernet blend with plenty of flavour detail, but it stays tidy and table-ready. Aromas lean into blackcurrant and cassis with a violet lift, followed by clove, cinnamon and a soft vanilla note. The palate is dry and medium-to-full bodied, running blackberry and plum through the centre with a savoury edge of dried herbs (think sage and thyme). Tannins are fine and gently firm, giving shape and length without heaviness.

Highlights

• Certified organic and vegan-suitable
• Preservative-free (no added sulphur dioxide)
• Dry style (0.8 g/L RS) with moderate alcohol (13.0% ABV)
• Blackcurrant, cassis, clove, cinnamon and vanilla aromatics
• Soft yet firm tannins for balanced structure

Taste Profile

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in the glass. The nose shows cassis and blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, then clove, cinnamon and a gentle vanilla note. The palate is dry, dark-fruited and structured, with a savoury herbal layer (sage and thyme) under the fruit. Tannins are fine and softly firm, giving a long, food-friendly finish.

Winemaking

The winemaking focus here is on varietal clarity and balance, keeping the fruit bright while building gentle structure. Oak sits in the background to add warmth and spice rather than dominate. The result is a Cabernet blend shape with a clean, modern finish.

Vineyard & Vintage

Fruit for this blend comes from South Australia’s Riverland. Cabernet brings cassis, line and structure, while Merlot adds a rounder middle and extra plum depth. The overall style lands in a sweet spot: generous fruit, savoury detail and a confidently dry finish.

Why We Love It

It delivers the classic Cabernet/Merlot profile—cassis, spice, structure—without getting heavy. It’s a genuinely versatile dinner red, and being preservative-free makes it an easy pick when you want a cleaner bottle that still tastes like “proper wine”.

Food Pairing

This is built for savoury dishes and anything roasted, grilled or tomato-rich. Try matching this wine with →

• Beef ragu (or mushroom ragu) → Recipe Search
• Eggplant parmigiana → Recipe Search
• Pepper sauce steak (or lentil “steaks”) → Recipe Search

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

A proper dinner wine when there’s something savoury on the table—roast veg, tomato-rich pasta, a big tray-bake, or steak on the grill.

Cellaring

Drink now for bright cassis and plum, or cellar for up to 5 years for more savoury, cedar-like complexity. If you open it young, a little air will lift the herbal notes and soften the tannin shape. Great value to buy a few and revisit over time.

Producer

Temple Bruer is a South Australian organic pioneer with a long-standing focus on minimal-intervention winemaking and sustainable farming. Their preservative-free program began in 2006, driven by a belief that clean fruit and careful handling can replace unnecessary additions. They back that approach with meticulous hygiene, thoughtful harvest timing and bottling practices designed to minimise oxygen exposure. The result is a range of certified organic wines that stay true to classic varieties, while also being vegan-suitable and preservative-free for people who are actively choosing those options.

Related Wines To Try →

If you love this style, here are a few smart next pours:

• More spice and dark fruit depth → Temple Bruer Preservative Free Shiraz 2023
• Silky red berries with savoury detail → Temple Bruer Preservative Free Pinot Noir 2024
• Explore the whole range → Shop Temple Bruer

FAQ

What does it taste like?

Think cassis and blackcurrant first, then blackberry and plum, with violet lift. There’s a warm spice layer—clove and cinnamon—plus a soft vanilla note. It finishes dry with fine tannins that make it very food-friendly.

Is it sweet or dry?

Dry. The fruit feels ripe and generous, but the finish stays clean and savoury rather than sweet. If you prefer reds with structure and a tidy close, this is a great fit.

How full-bodied is it, and what are the tannins like?

Medium-to-full bodied, with Cabernet-led structure. Tannins are fine and gently firm, giving shape without roughness. Acidity is balanced, keeping the dark fruit lively rather than heavy.

What temperature should I serve it at, and what glassware works best?

Serve at 16–18°C (slightly cooler than a warm room). A medium-to-large red wine glass helps the cassis, spice and herbal notes open up. If it’s been sitting warm, 10–15 minutes in the fridge is a quick fix.

Do I need to decant it?

Not essential, but worthwhile if you have time. A 20–30 minute decant (or a splashy pour) helps the herbal notes lift and the tannins relax. It’s especially handy if you’re pairing it with richer food.

How long will it cellar?

Enjoy now or cellar for up to 5 years. With time, you’ll see more savoury, cedar-like complexity and a slightly softer fruit profile. It’s a nice option if you like reds that become more earthy and spice-driven with age.

Is it preservative-free, and what about sulphites?

Yes—it’s preservative-free, meaning no sulphur dioxide is added. The product specs list Free SO2 at 0 ppm. In the glass, it still tastes like a classic Cabernet blend: dark fruit, spice and structure.

Is it organic and vegan-suitable?

Yes—this wine is certified organic and vegan-suitable. It’s an easy pick for plant-based dinners where you still want a structured, classic red. The style is traditional Cabernet/Merlot, just made with a cleaner brief.

What food matches best?

Tomato-rich dishes, roasted vegetables, mushroom ragu, and anything grilled work beautifully. The cassis fruit loves char and spice, while the tannins give enough grip for richer sauces. It’s also a strong cheese-board option with aged cheddar or smoked gouda.

Who will love it, and what can I compare this wine to?

This suits anyone who enjoys classic Cabernet/Merlot blends—cassis, dark berries, spice and a structured finish. If you like Bordeaux-inspired reds but want an Australian, preservative-free option, you’ll be right at home. And if you usually drink Shiraz but want a more herbal, cassis-led profile, this is a natural next step.

(SKU: TB_PCS_CV)