Elgin's crossing commemorates pioneering vigneron John Riddoch's outward voyage to Australia aboard the sailing ship lady Elgin in 1851. Riddoch went on to become an influential figure in South Australia, establishing the Coonawarra fruit colony in 1890.

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.

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.

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.

The Cigar the name coined by Coonawarra Vignerons to describe the unique cigar-shaped strip of rich red terra rossa soil. This wine is from the famous strip, the bouquet shows bright cherry, chocolate and musk fruit aromas supported by savoury cedar oak. The palate is vibrant with blueberries and rhubarb balanced by choc-mint with the tannins having mouth-filling praline texture. The finish is long and lingering.

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.

Hidden Ridge Cabernet Shiraz Merlot displays aromas of plum, dark cherry and raspberry. These dark berry fruit flavours surround the palate with subtle oak notes and leave a long, generous finish.

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.

A sweet-fruited mouthcoating wine. Can be served slightly chilled.

Wynns 'Red Stripe' Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot continues to be a market leader and beacon for quality wine at an affordable price. Cabernet brings cassis and mint, while spice and plummy fruit is provided by the Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now or cellar for a year or two.