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The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.

Michael Fragos grew up in McLaren Vale, and spent 14 years at Tatachilla before taking over at Chapel Hill in 2004. A three-time ‘Bushing King’, Michael has also been named best winemaker on the planet! James Halliday notes that his “wine quality is unfailingly excellent” . This one has an expressive nose of blackcurrant, bay leaf cigar box and chocolate. The palate is medium to full-bodied, beautifully structured, with a powerful complexity, fine-grained tannins, velvety texture and long, long finish.

A purposely early harvest to highlight a fresh red fruit spectrum, naturally lower alcohol, wild ferments, and the use of larger oak for maturation are just some of the techniques employed to make these beautiful food friendly wines. Co-fermentation of the two varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz creates a layered and harmonious style, with unique tannin structure. There is a weightless feel to the palate without compromise to intensity. A mix of forest berries, black tea and aniseed plays on the palate. A classic Australian style worthy of its price.

The Cigar 2018 is a lovely bright, fresh Coonawarra Cabernet. Vibrant, deep magenta in colour. The aromatics are rich with blue and black fruits, notes of spice and warm, comforting aromas of cedar, strawberry compote and sandalwood. The palate is expressive with blackcurrant, plum and clove spice, melding with dark chocolate and ripe fruits. The wine has a beautiful structure with fine tannins and balanced acidity ensuring longevity.

A classic wine in style and sophistication. Deep purple with red hues, the palate displays true varietal character, with deep blackberry, cassis, mint and a hint of smooth cedar oak on the midpalate.

The Vocation Series pays tribute to John Riddoch’s multifaceted capabilities and the many vocations he had in his lifetime, reflected by the ultimate expression of Coonawarra’s varietal diversity. Linking single vineyard wines and interesting wine-making techniques with the personality evoked by Riddoch’s various professions. John Riddoch’s wool clip was the most highly prized wool in South Australia. He also established the Coonawarra wine region in 1890 with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to this history as the flagship varietal for Coonawarra. Vibrant cassis, blackberry and violet notes, silky tannins and underlying cedar oak design this classic Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured in new and seasoned French oak barrels for added complexity of flavour. Drink now or will reward careful cellaring for up to 8 years.

Mildara first released wines in the late 1800's and was one of the earliest pioneers of the Coonawarra region in the 1950's. One of the most exciting wines in Dan's Cellar Release program, the 2004 Rothwell Cabernet is a wine of fierce structure, elegant balance and sheer drinkability. Classic blackcurrant, minty, toasty oak, medium bodied with a juicy pastille richness and firm tannins. Superb right now, it will evolve over many years to come.

The wine is gorgeously fruited and fragrant on the nose showing dark fruit richness with smoked game, vanilla, chocolate tart and cedar characters. The palate is concentrated and wonderfully weighted, delivering fabulous fruit intensity and stylish oak infusion, backed by fine chalky tannins, finishing superbly long and sturdy. At its best: now to 2025.