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.

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.

Woodlands Cabernet Merlot is one of the regions best examples. The Watson brothers are the custodians of a family heritage in Margaret River that continues to this day. The Cabernet Merlot has attractive and complex aromas of dark berry and plum supported by well integrated vanillin oak. The palate shows similar characters with outstanding length of flavour and perfect balance. Drink now or cellar short term.

Sandalford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is simply put, a sensational wine! Complex on the nose with violets, tomato leaf, cigar box and spice, it is beautifully structured on the palate, with rich fleshy fruit filling out the tannin backbone.

Katnook is a beacon for quality in Coonawarra for many a decade. Their Cabernet is their flagship that has a rich and elegant bouquet with aromas of cedary blackcurrant. Supported by well integrated toasty oak while the palate shows long fine varietal flavours.

John Riddoch MHA, who entered South Australia's Parliament (1865) as the South East's representative. Founded the Coonawarra Wine Region (1890) with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The 2021 Riddoch The Representative Cabernet Merlot exhibits Cassis redcurrant spice aromas, fine chalky tannins and generous flavours. Aged in new-and-seasoned French and American oak for around 12 months, the wine is supple with gentle vigour. Drink now or may be cellared for years to come.

When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.

2018 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon, Nose of Dark cherry and lavender imbued with underlying dried mint. The 2018 Black Label Cabernet is a combination of dark fruit and finesse. Initially the palate is soft and round, but a fine tannin framework provides structure and length on the palate. A beautifully balanced, medium- weight Cabernet with all the hallmarks of this 20heritage label. Pristine varietal cabernet fruit balanced for guaranteed cell

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.

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.