Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot

Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot is a kosher Australian red wine blending 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Merlot in a 750ml bottle at approximately 13.5% ABV. Produced under the Teal Lake label by Andrew Peace Wines — one of Australia's largest family-owned wineries — this Mevushal wine holds OU kosher certification under the supervision of Rabbi Beck, making it one of the more widely available kosher reds from Australia's warm-climate regions.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Murray River, Victoria, Australia  |  Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon / 49% Merlot  |  Producer: Andrew Peace Wines

Production & Heritage

Andrew Peace Wines is situated on the banks of the Murray River in Victoria, where the vineyard was established over a quarter of a century ago. The calcareous earth soils — ranging from brown to red-brown loamy sand and sandy loam — are unique to the Murray River system and contribute distinct mineral character to the fruit. The region's hot climate, long sunshine hours, low humidity, and negligible growing season rainfall necessitate irrigation, while producing deeply ripe, concentrated fruit. The winery earned Victorian Vineyard of the Year in 1997, the Telstra Small Business of the Year award in 1999, and the Emerging Exporter Award in 2001.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark plum and black currant notes emerge first, followed by green pepper undertones characteristic of the Cabernet Sauvignon component. Subtle spice and a hint of coffee round out the nose.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward, with plum and wild cherry flavors meeting mid-palate spice. Black currant richness builds as the Cabernet element asserts itself, while the Merlot contributes a smooth, velvety texture. Guava and apple nuances appear as secondary flavors, adding unexpected complexity to the warm-climate profile.

Finish: Medium in length, with light oak framing and licorice trailing alongside lingering pepper. Medium tannins provide structure without harshness, leaving a balanced, fruit-driven close.

How to Drink Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot

This blend drinks well at a light cellar temperature around 60–65°F. Pouring it into a standard Bordeaux glass allows the dark fruit aromas to open up; a brief 15–20 minute rest after opening can soften the tannins further. For cocktails and mixed drinks, the fruit-forward profile works in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the plum and spice notes add depth to the simple serve. It also performs well in a Red Wine Spritzer, as its medium body holds up against sparkling water without losing flavor. For cooler months, use it as the base of a Mulled Wine — the existing spice, licorice, and dark fruit notes complement traditional mulling spices naturally.

Best For

• Shabbat and holiday dinners requiring Mevushal kosher wine
• Everyday weeknight red for fans of fruit-forward Australian blends
• Introducing kosher wine drinkers to warm-climate Australian reds
• Casual gatherings where an approachable, food-friendly red is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot taste like? It delivers ripe plum, black currant, and wild cherry flavors layered with green pepper, spice, and licorice. Light oak and medium tannins keep the profile smooth and balanced rather than heavy.

How does Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot compare to Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are popular kosher reds in an accessible price tier, but Teal Lake's near-equal Cabernet-Merlot blend from warm-climate Australia tends to be softer and more fruit-forward. Baron Herzog's California Cabernet Sauvignon typically leans more tannic with a stronger varietal focus on cassis and dark berry.

Is Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot good for Shabbat dinners? Yes — its Mevushal status under OU certification means it can be handled and served by anyone at the table, and its fruit-driven, medium-bodied profile pairs comfortably with a wide range of traditional Shabbat dishes.

Where is Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot made? It is produced by Andrew Peace Wines on the banks of the Murray River in Victoria, Australia. The vineyard sits on calcareous earth soils unique to the Murray River system, benefiting from a hot, dry growing season.

What foods pair well with Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot? Braised brisket works well, as the wine's medium tannins cut through the richness of the meat. Roasted lamb shoulder complements the green pepper and spice notes. Grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms echo the wine's earthy undertones. Aged hard cheeses like aged Gouda highlight the black currant fruit, and dark chocolate desserts mirror the coffee and licorice finish.

What sizes does Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot come in? The standard size is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot worth the price? Teal Lake positions as an entry-level kosher red, and within that category it delivers strong value — the ripe Australian fruit, clean winemaking, and genuine Mevushal certification are difficult to match at this tier.

Why Teal Lake Cabernet Merlot?

What distinguishes this wine is its origin: while the majority of widely distributed kosher reds come from Israel, France, or California, Teal Lake draws its character from Australia's Murray River terroir — calcareous soils and intense sunshine that produce uniquely ripe, concentrated fruit. The near-even 51/49 Cabernet-Merlot split gives it both the structural backbone of Cabernet and the plush, approachable texture of Merlot, landing in a middle ground that suits a broad range of foods and palates. Andrew Peace Wines brings decades of warm-climate winemaking expertise to the kosher category, backed by multiple industry awards. For anyone seeking a reliable, fruit-driven kosher red that steps outside the usual regions, this Australian blend fills a genuine gap on the table.