Balnaves has always produced a a classically elegant Coonawarra Cabernet. Blackcurrant fruit, liquorice and mineral characters are enhanced by cedary French oak. Beautifully balanced with a long, textured finish.

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.

In 2004, similar vintage conditions to the iconic 1962 vintage, inspired Penfolds winemakers to recreate Max Schuberts iconic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon from Block 20, alongside Koonunga Hill and Kalimna Shiraz, were included in the 2004 Penfolds Bin 60A blend.

The aroma has a lifted perfume and is full of dark cherry fruit with a touch of vanilla. The palate is bold and full, but has softness, spice and elegant tannins. An approachable Cabernet that will drink well now or cellar for up to 5 years.

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.

Bright plum in colour, Penfolds Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon displays delicate notes of mint and blackcurrant, with a more savory bouquet of semi-dried tomatoes and fruit chutney at the end. A hint of oak and spice adds extra warmth. On the palate a flavour-wheel of spearmint, milo powder, chocolate and black liquorice.

Yalumba continue to produce amazing quality, premium wines for a fraction of the price they could demand. The Menzies is prime example with rich, blackcurrant and cassis fruit with integrated oak that fills the mouth.

Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon has all your elegant red wine needs covered. This Coonawarra stand out features dark fruits on the nose with a subtle hint of oak and finishes with finely balanced tannins and a smooth palate.

Sisters Run is an independently owned and operated winery with a fierce commitment to make the best wines from family vineyards. The label pays reference to talented young winemaker Elena Brooks who wears steel cap boots in the day but carries a pair of high heels in the back of the ute, just in case of emergencies. This big Coonawarra red is just about perfect to drink now. Its blackcurrant flavours will shine with roast lamb and rosemary potatoes or a duck ragu with creamy wild mushroom sauce.

Rufus was a beloved Hereford bull from the Reschke stud and was treated like one of the family. The same soils that Rufus presided now produce some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the country. This elegant, fruit driven wine that will age beautifully if cellared with care. Estate grown and low cropping created a Cabernet with a perfectly balanced palate of intense blackcurrant and cassis with hints of chocolate and eucalypt and a hint of cedary oak. Supported by silky tannins and balanced acidity, this wine is simply amazing value.