A purposely early harvest to highlight a fresh red fruit spectrum, naturally lower alcohol, wild ferments, and the use of larger oak for maturation are just some of the techniques employed to make these beautiful food friendly wines.

A purposely early harvest to highlight a fresh red fruit spectrum, naturally lower alcohol, wild ferments, and the use of larger oak for maturation are just some of the techniques employed to make these beautiful food friendly wines. Co-fermentation of the two varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz creates a layered and harmonious style, with unique tannin structure. There is a weightless feel to the palate without compromise to intensity. A mix of forest berries, black tea and aniseed plays on the palate. A classic Australian style worthy of its price.

This Merlot is a medium bodied style with abundant ripe red berry fruit flavours displayed on a rich round mid palate. The red currant, plum flavours integrate well with subtle oak characters creating a balanced wine.

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.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-driven wine with bold notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cherry. With touches of subtle oak, chocolate, and vanilla bean, a complete, rich round palate will make a lasting impression.

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 is synonymous with the region's story. The Author represents the finest expression of the vintage. Dark red in colour, with a crimson hue and classic aromatics of ripe cassis and blackberry fruit. Vibrant blueberry and black forest fruit flavours aew well integrated with hints cedar and spicy oak from maturation in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads.Elegantly structured, fine grained tannins lead to a long and persistent finish. This has all the hallmarks of a classic Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and will drink well now but will reward patient cellaring for 10 to 15 years.

A few years on, this carefully crafted wine has developed added nuance while retaining its food-friendly charm. The early-picked red fruit characters have softened into gentle dried cherry and cranberry notes, with subtle earthy undertones emerging. The naturally lower alcohol keeps the palate fresh, while the wild ferment complexity and maturation in large oak now show as integrated spice and savoury depth. A beautifully aged, elegant wine that continues to shine at the table.

Petaluma Merlot is medium body with a brick red colour, the superbly perfumed bouquet is a tangle of marzipan, spice, plum and confectionery and is the best nose of the early Petalumas. On the palate, flavours of cherry, plum and spice emerge, with very good depth and complexity.

Further testament to both vine age and the merits & complexity of this blend, which allow the wine to rise above an otherwise challenging year. Classic blackcurrant, cigar box and tapenade aromas, overlaid with notes of violet, Christmas cake and sweet spices, lead onto a supple, savoury and effortless palate that builds towards a long & lively finish.

Katnook Prodigy Shiraz is a wonderful example of great Coonawarra Shiraz. Savoury spice and dark berry fruits with a hint of white pepper. An elegant wine with medium intensity and great length. Amazingly concentrated for current drinking, the Prodigy will benefit for over decade in the cellar.