Angus

Angus the Bull was a simple idea that just wouldn't go away. It soon became an obsession and then when it reached the point where it occupied all his waking moments, Hamish MacGowan finally decided 'enough was enough' and in 2003 established the Aberdeen Wine Company to turn his unique concept into a reality. With all his energy now focused entirely on creating a new brand positioned to provide the ideal vinous accompaniment to prime beef, he chose to work exclusively with his favourite variety, Cabernet Sauvignon and set about locating the most promising parcels from across Victoria and South Australia. Confident he had achieved the required wine style and developed a very deliberate marketing strategy backed up with some smart packaging, Hamish launched his debut 2002 vintage, and hasn't looked back since.

Each year the most promising parcels are hand selected and blended from premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from a number of outstanding wine regions across Victoria and South Australia. The flexibility of this multi-regional blending approach allows for the best attributes of individual regions to be captured and combined for exceptional results.

Five Stars - If you are thinking elegant, fragile, subtle - think again. Could anything be less subtle than a whopper gutsy red wine with horns on the label? I think there is the slightlest posibility they are trying to send a subliminal message that it might just go well with a steak. They'd be right. This will cost you far less than a decent slab of dead cow, so grab the bull by the horns. - Stuart Gregor

A rare 100% Cabernet Sauvignon regional blend from South Australia that is sure to turn some heads. It overflows with black fruits and a smoky/hazy thick nose topped by vanilla and all-spice. In the mouth, it's aggressive with assertive tannins, campfire smoke, a blanket of dark juice that coats the innards and laced with liquorice and spice. Think beef and Angus, like Romeo and Juliet. - Rick Van Sickle, Calgary Sunday Sun

90 Points - Wow! What a spectacular value 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Four thousand cases of this gorgeously rich, pure, medium to full bodied 2002 were produced. A dense ruby/purple colour is followed by copious quantities of creme de cassis, spice, and earth aromas. Rich textured, it is a total hedonistic turn-on that readers should consider purchasing by the case. Why can't any California wineries produce a Cabernet Sauvignon this special for a similar price? Drink it over the next 4-5 years. - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Hot-Blooded Cab Sauv Hits A Niche! Its name conjures up images of a big, bold and fiery red -- and the taste delivers. An ideal accompaniment to thick, fat and juicy steaks. The wine is dense, inky black, with intense black fruits and violets with light smoky-oak characters. Full-bodied and rich in flavour, it has concentrated ripe fruits and a bold finish. Good to drink now, it will continue to improve over the next six years. - Belinda Heggen Adelaide Sunday Mail

The third vintage of Angus the Bull is now available, the 2004 Angus the Bull Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was designed to be the perfect foil for an excellent cut of prime quality red meat. In three short years, Angus the Bull has experienced outstanding sales results. The 2004 has evolved to a new level of sophistication. Creator Hamish MacGowan said the 2004 'is definitely our best effort so far'. The wine is also available in half bottles, known to the trade as calves. - Liquor Watch

Best Buys - This one-wine producer has a simple philosophy - create a great red to go with a prime piece of beef. Winemaker and owner Hamish MacGowan makes no bones about his plan to create the ultimate red wine that will become synonymous with red meat. Hence the name Angus The Bull. A blend of premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Victoria and South Australia, this red is dark, rich and full of dark berry flavours. A brushing of smoky oak gives the wine a spicy character. Sharpen the knives, and uncork this one while the steak is on the grill. Walter Sendzik Canada's Wine Buyers Guide