Hazel & Axe is crafted by Kevin Morrisey (formerly of Ehlers Estate), and the 2023 marks his third vintage. This is a bold, attractive Cabernet framed by firm, muscular tannins that gradually unfurl to reveal wonderfully dark-toned savoury spices redolent of saddle leather, earth and tobacco. Those layers weave through the inky black fruit that dominates the palate, intermingling with dark, slated chocolate notes and a steadily building tannin presence on the full-bodied finish.