2024 Billy Button ‘The Tenacious’ Cabernet Sauvignon

“This is not the greatest Cab in the world, no.  This is just a tribute.” – (If you know, you know)

 A welcome addition to the Billy Button family, this is the second release of this variety.  Single clone SA125 sourced from the Con Mara vineyard in Whorouly South – a cool year has delivered fruit with a punch displaying concentrated red fruits, cooling fresh mint characters and attractive, soft tannins. All characters that make this wine exceptionally drinkable at a young age.

Say 'cab-er-nay sah-vin-yon'

Production Notes

Machine harvested the second week of April, the fruit was crushed to open top fermenters and fermented with selected yeast.  Left on skins for approximately a week post ferment before pressing directly to a combination of old and one year old (40%) French hogsheads.  Matured in oak for 18 months before blending.  Bottled January 2026.

Vintage Snapshot

A cool season delivered concentrated fruit flavours, balanced acidity and elegant tannins.

Tasting Note

Vibrant and distinctly varietal, this medium-bodied wine opens with aromas of red currant, fresh bay leaf and a gentle minty lift, layered over subtle slate-like minerality.  Bright red berry fruit carries seamlessly onto the palate, supported by fine, trademark tannins that give structure and a mouthwatering finish. Approachable and drinking beautifully now, with the balance and framework to soften and evolve gracefully with time.

Optimal Drinking Window – now until 2036

Technical details

Reviews

"Cabernet might be a bit of an outlier in a region known for its exceptional alternative varieties, but in the '80s, cabernet and shiraz ruled. It's good to see a cabernet today in the zone and looking mighty smart and varietally on point in cherry, cassis, ripe herbs, leaf, hints of violet, earth and sweet spices. Nicely structured, too, in sturdy tannins." Awarded 90 points, Halliday Wine Companion, Jeni Port - Published 10 August 2026