John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.

John Riddoch (1827 - 1901) is the man responsible for putting Coonawarra on the map after establishing the Coonawarra Fruit Colony in 1891. Today, Coonawarra and its famous 'terra rossa' strip of limestone rich soil is home to some of Australia's greatest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. This Riddoch Cabernet is an exciting expression of the region with its deep purple colour, spicy plum, chocolate and toasty vanillan aromas which are followed by a luscious palate of blueberry and accompanying eucalypt accented spice.

A Coonawarra Merlot is worth pausing for and this one is no different. From the Riddoch vineyard, this Cabernet Merlot has spicy chocolate and plum aromas and smooth, supple tannins. This flavoursome Merlot can be enjoyed straight away or aged for three to five years.

It has a classic lift of essential Cabernet fruit aromas, a perfume of dark mulberries with a lift of white mulberries, tayberries and bramble-berries that have been baked with a fresh pie crust. A great heady aroma with rich red ripe fruits but also some hints of crushed violets and whiffs of mushrooms, olives, dried herbs and suggestions of briar and undergrowth wisping in and out. There is also a shot of old school glossy tri-coloured boiled sweets character to this most complex Coonawarra Cabernet. Two years in oak has allowed a meshing of some spice and cedar oak maturation to complex.

Big, beautiful and bold - the wines from Bowen Estate have a huge following. Loaded with cedary and blackberry flavours and firm in structure this wine will reward patient cellaring.

A relatively new addition to the Wynns stable to compliment the Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Merlot and the Coonawarra Shiraz, The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon brings lovely varietal and regional character in a Cabernet that is approachable on release, but also benefits from a few years in the medium term cellar. According to chief winemaker, Sue Hodder, The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon aims to deliver a leading affordable Cabernet that showcases exceptional varietal and region characteristics of red cherry, mint and dark berry flavours, while an array of gentle tannins will further reward from short to medium term cellaring.

Little Giant Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon is handcrafted with an array of dark berry notes coupled with hints of nutmeg, herbs and red florals. A delicious wine with a bright crimson red hue, the finish is long-lasting and fruit driven.

The Brand's Laira Blockers Cabernet is a Coonawarra red with classic varietal definition. The nose shows cedar, red berry and tobacco notes. The palate is rich, long and beautifully texturally structured. A multi-award winner, the Blockers can be enjoyed now or cellared in the medium term.

Consistency has been the hallmark of Majella Shiraz for some time now. Ripe fresh raspberry and mulberry fruit is supported by fine tannins and subtle oak.

Elgins Crossing commemorates pioneering vigneron John Riddochs outward voyage to Australia aboard the sailing ship Lady Elgin in 1851. A classic Coonawarra red with beautiful fragrant blackcurrant, dark plum, bright cassis, earthy aromas and flavours, fine persistent silky tannins and underlying oak complexity. Matured in oak barrels, enjoy in its youth now or carefully cellar for the medium term.