HARDY'S Crest Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot is an Australian red blend built for generous, full-flavoured drinking. At 14% alcohol it carries ripe intensity and warming structure while remaining approachable for sharing with food and friends.
On the eye it shows a deep ruby to garnet core with good saturation, suggesting concentrated dark fruit and a rounded palate. The blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot brings complementary textures: backbone, spice and softness in one glass.
The nose offers inviting notes of dark berry fruits—blackcurrant and plum—alongside rounded blackberry and a hint of peppery spice. There is a pleasant depth to the bouquet that signals ripe fruit and balanced tannins.
On the palate this is a full-bodied red with firm structure and smooth mid-palate weight. Flavours move from black cherry and plum to darker berry compote, with spicy lift and a lingering, cocoa-tinged finish. Tannins are present enough to give substance without overwhelming the fruit-driven core.
Tasting profile and serving
Expect a concentrated red blend character: dark fruit at the forefront with seasonable spice and a touch of savoury earthiness. The interplay of grape varieties delivers both grip and plushness.
Texture is full-bodied and round, with a balanced acidity that keeps the wine lively across the palate. The finish leans toward persistent dark fruit and a palate-coating, warming impression.
For best enjoyment, serve this Australian red slightly below room temperature. Aim for around 17 °C to let aromas open while preserving freshness and structure.
Glass selection that allows gentle swirling will help lift the nose and reveal secondary spice notes. Decanting briefly can soften the edges and bring out the Merlot’s plushness if you prefer a more immediate, mellow profile.
Food pairings and occasions
This Cabernet–Shiraz–Merlot blend pairs naturally with grilled and roasted meats. Think beef steaks, lamb chops or mutton cooked over direct heat where char and smoke complement the wine’s ripe dark fruit.
Hearty, tomato-based dishes such as pizza and robust pasta sauces work well, as the wine’s structure stands up to acidity and rich flavours. It also partners nicely with pork and veal preparations that include roasted or spiced elements.
For cheese plates choose firmer, full-flavoured cheeses that can match the wine’s intensity—aged cheddar, firm Gouda or spicy hard cheeses make good companions.
Barbecue and game dishes benefit from the wine’s peppery lift and dark fruit core, while the Merlot component adds a roundness that softens bolder flavours, making this blend versatile for casual gatherings and more substantial dinners alike.
