Make 28–30 bottles of Winexpert's premium Reserve tier. The Winexpert Reserve Australian Cabernet Shiraz kit uses 10L of hand-selected grape concentrate and is ready to bottle in 6 weeks, delivering a bold, full-bodied red with blackberry, dark chocolate, liquorice and smoke.
Tasting Notes
Blackberry, dark chocolate, liquorice and smoke, with high oak influence. A big, structured Cabernet-Shiraz blend built for serious food pairing — think roasts, game, or aged hard cheeses.
Wine Profile
- Style: Dry, full-bodied red
- Oak: High
- Alcohol: approx. 13.5%
- Grape concentrate: 10L | Makes 23L (28–30 bottles)
What Equipment Do You Need?
A 23-litre fermentation vessel, airlock, hydrometer, siphon, and 28–30 bottles. New to winemaking? Our wine starter kits bundle all essentials. Always sanitise with VWP or ChemSan for best results.
Upgrading your yeast: for a big, structured blend like this, try Mangrove Jack's R56, built for rich reds with real aromatic depth — a good match for this style's power.
Fermentation Timeline
Week 1–3: Primary fermentation at 20–22°C for reds.
Week 4–5: Add finings and allow to clear.
Week 6: Bottle and age for 2–3 months before drinking.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep temperature stable at 20–22°C — consistency matters more with Reserve's extra concentrate
- The high oak in this style softens with time — don't rush to drink
- Allow wines to clear completely before bottling
- Age for minimum 3–6 months for the smoke and chocolate notes to integrate
See all Winexpert Reserve wines. Browse all wine kits at BrewCo.