The Balnaves Coonawarra Vineyard was established in 1975 and is situated at the southern end of the Coonawarra Terra Rossa strip. The Balnaves family arrived in the region in 1855 from Paisley, Scotland and opened their first general store in Penola in 1858.Balnaves have used Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to make this modern Sparkling red. This wine is a blend of complex and elegant parcels from ten vintages of reserve wines, matured in a solera system.Rich and complex with cassis, blackberry and violet, combined with mature Coonawarra Cabernet characters of chocolate, leather and truffle. Ready to drink on release, this wine will gain complexity and softness with careful cellaring.

A 65% Shiraz, 35% Cabernet blend, which manages to be intense yet refined at the same time. A stunning drink now but will also reward further cellaring. Decant.Deep red. Blackberry, plum, dried sage, dark chocolate and charry oak aromas. Deeply flavoured and richly fruited, with fine yet deep tannins underpinning the savoury mix of red and black fruit, supple acidity and plenty of oak on the rich finish.

The Vitulus 20 displays a dark ruby colour, with aromas of fresh red fruits such as juicy plum and cranberry, followed by subtle touches of forest floor. The palate presents fresh red cherry and juicy plum, complemented by hints of black pepper spice. Fine-grained tannins and subtle toasted oak create a layered wine with length and persistence.

The Vitulus 19 displays a dark ruby red colour, with hints of green peppercorn and forest floor on the nose. The palate provides fruit intensity, embodying flavours of blackcurrant and light blueberry alongside refreshing dried herbs. High sandy tannins and integrated vanillin oak characteristics provide a long and engaging finish.

Hollick Cabernet with all it's bouqet and flavours is classic Coonawarra. Subtle dark chocolate and cloves are framed by ripe berry aromas, the palate delivers rich varietal flavours of blackcurrant enhanced by cedary oak. Continues to be a go-to Cabernet from the famed region.

Packed full of mint, blackcurrants, spice and cedary oak, this wine is indicative of how a great the 2004 vintage was. Drinking beautifully now.

2006 Patrick of Coonawarra Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were grown at the Toccaciu Coonawarra estate, and the wine was matured for 26 months in French and American oak; while I am not a fan of ProCork, this is a very attractive wine, which has cruised through six, rising seven, years, the cassis and cedar flavours supported by very fine but persistent tannins.