Ollie Smith pairs the Artan Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia, 2022 with Fillet Steak with Gruyère Cauliflower Cheese, creating a classic match built on structure, intensity and rich flavour harmony.
This dish brings tender beef and silky cheese sauce together — and that calls for a wine with enough backbone to stand alongside robust protein and creamy depth. The 2022 Artan Reserve Cabernet delivers exactly that: bold dark fruit, firm tannins and savoury complexity that elevate every mouthful.
The Wine: Artan Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
From the famed terra rossa soils of Coonawarra in South Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon here expresses concentrated blackcurrant, plum and cedar notes with trademark cool-climate elegance. The Artan Reserve 2022 vintage shows ripe dark fruit layered with hints of mint, tobacco and earthy spice — all framed by firm, refined tannins and lingering structure.
This Cabernet spends careful time in French oak, adding subtle vanilla and cedary spice without overpowering the varietal character. At this stage, the wine is approachable yet complex — rich enough to complement a hearty steak dinner while still revealing layers of flavour as it opens in the glass. It’s an excellent example of premium Australian Cabernet that works brilliantly with bold, savoury dishes.
Why It Complements the Dish
- Structure for the steak: Fillet steak has a tender, meaty texture. The Cabernet’s firm tannins bind with the protein’s richness, creating a satisfying grip and enhancing the savoury experience without overwhelming the palate.
- Cutting creamy cheese sauce: Gruyère cauliflower cheese brings luscious, creamy weight that can dull lighter wines. Here, the wine’s acidity and structured tannin framework slice through the cheese’s richness, refreshing the palate between bites.
- Echoing secondary flavours: Notes of cedar, dark fruit and graphite in the Cabernet mirror the charred edges of the steak and the nutty Gruyère. This complementary bridge supports the dish while adding extra nuance.
The Artan Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a confident partner to fillet steak with Gruyère cauliflower cheese — bold where it needs to be, structured where the dish demands it, and rich in character without being clumsy. /p>