The Author pays homage to pioneering vigneron John Riddoch (1827-1901). A true visionary, Riddoch is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Australian wine. An influential figure, he established The Coonawarra Fruit Colony in 1890 and a synonymous with the region’s story. The Author represents the finest expression of the vintage. Made from fruit from a vineyard situated from the warmer end of the region in the northern part of Coonawarra. The vineyard is 20 to 25 years, with a mixture of red loam over limestone and ironstone, with the fruit machine picked. Intense dark fruits with integrated oak that lets the fruit shine. A finish of gently refined tannins that complement the fruit.

This Shiraz is full bodied with a smooth rich texture. The notes of dark berries, bay leaf and dark chocolate are nicely balanced with spicy oak characters. The lengthy palate is concentrated and mouth filling.

A great example of Coonawarra Shiraz showing raspberry and mulberry fruit characters and nuances of black pepper found only in wines created from old vines. Time in bottle will see even more complexity develop, with an increase in cedar and savoury characters.

The Mythology Shiraz is a tribute to ancient practices; its origins are in the richness of the Coonawarra soils and the artistry of traditional winemaking techniques. Full bodied, with sweet oak tannins plus ripe fruit doused in molten licorice and mint chocolate. Glossy and syrupy across the palate with a lingering finish.

Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz is an intriguing counterpoint to the warm-climate Bin 28 Shiraz. Showcasing fruits soured from unique terra rossa soils of Coonawarra – a region that exemplifies the perfume, transparency and unique seductive nature of cool-climate reds. Elegant, finely structured and deeply expressive, this wine will reward cellaring for decades.

Created in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine that reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of South Australia’s Coonawarra district and the relatively elegant style of cool-climate Shiraz. From the 1980 vintage, French oak replaced American, highlighting the pepper, spice and floral characteristics that define this style. Since this time, greater attention to fruit flavour ripeness has structurally resulted in a more complete and complex wine style.

The Block 5 sub-section of the Kidman vineyard sits at the northern end of the celebrated Coonawarra growing region. This part of the district ripens earlier than the south, making it very well suited to Shiraz. With its classic Terra Rossa over Limestone soils, the mature vines on this vineyard produce exceptional and highly sophisticated cool climate Shiraz, which is approachable in its youth but also eminently cellar-worthy.