'Black Label' Cabernet Sauvignon, which was first vintaged in 1954, has evolved markedly over the decades. It is arguably Australia's most recognised Cabernet Sauvignon, and has more than any other, helped define Coonawarra. The wine is matured in new and seasoned French oak for 12 to 18 months. A classic Coonawarra Cabernet with pristine dark berry/ cassis aromas, fine grained tannins and underlying savoury nuances, it develops into a rich, chocolaty wine with age. In a super vintage, this wine can look astonishingly like a 2nd or 3rd growth Bordeaux with its pure cassis aromas and cedary complexity. See Chief Winemaker Sue Hodder speak about the spectacular 2015 release:

This rich and fruit-driven parcel of hand-selected Cabernet fruit exhibits a deep ruby red colour alongside aromas of ripe-dark fruits. The palate presents flavours of mulberry, blackcurrant, and juicy plum complemented by hints of pepper spice. The wine provides a full-bodied structure that is beautifully balanced by silky tannins and excellent varietal characteristics – for that lasting impression

Leconfield's Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship of Leconfield and a classic Coonawarra Cabernet. Blackcurrant aromas are combined with cedary oak and the palate is laden with sweet berry fruit balanced by fine lingering tannins. Paul Gordon has taken this classic beauty to even greater heights in recent years as its award history can attest.

Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is classic Coonawarra all the way. Smells of mint and blackcurrant, tastes of cassis and mocha. Over two years in wood, and time in bottle soften the tannins leaving just a gentle grip. A bargain at this price!

Blood plum, blackcurrant, cold drip coffee and ironstone. Densely flavoured through the mid palate - full of plush black fruits, leather and spice. With all the depth and broodiness mentioned, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a heavy beast of a wine – there’s a brightness of fruit adding freshness and a kick of vibrancy here. Tannins are powdery and fine, wound tightly amongst the ripe cassis core of fruit that drives the palate.

Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is the beacon of quality that all Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is compared to. Coming off the iconic red soils of Coonawarra, Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is classic elegance. Chief winemaker, Sue Hodder, is able to craft a wine brimming with aromas of blackcurrant and plum that combine with spicy minty notes. The palate is well structured, long and fine. With the right cellaring condition, this could easily be a cellar gem.

Wynns is in the fortunate position to have holdings of some of Coonawarra's oldest Shiraz vines and coupled with recent plantings in the 1990s, Wynns now have fruit that is worthy of its own place amongst the Wynns elite. Enter Wynns Black Label Shiraz - with a dense, dark nose of pepper, mulberries and distinctive florals that are the perfect gateway to a palate that is rich and complex. Flavours of layered red berry, spice and chocolate with tight, focused tannins that will see the Black Label Shiraz become another Wynns favourite.

A recent addition to the Petaluma stable, the Petaluma of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is a great example of modern Australian winemaking when let to mingle with traditional wine estate and aged vineyards. Notes of dark chocolate, mocha, espresso and forest floor sit alongside bold blackcurrant fruit and cedar nuances. The finish is long and sustained.

As winelovers try this stunning Coonawarra Cabernet example, with concentrated chocolate, berry, mint, and spice flavours, a smooth acidity and a long finish, no doubt both it and Coonawarra will have even more devoted advocates. Coonawarra advocates will quickly point out that the famous strip of terra rosa makes some great wine, not just in Australia, but the world. Making this wine great for drinking now, while ensuring a long life.

Zema Estate have been producing quality Coonawarra Cabernet since 1982 but have been "growing" since the 1800's. The 2004 Family Selection Cab benefits greatly from a cool growing season allowing the rich flavours of blackcurrants and dark cherry to shine.