The aroma is of blackberry and cassis with no leafiness and an earthy, Moroccan leather bouquet typical of the Whalebone terroir. The flavours are rich and strong with an underlying fresh varietal complexity including the spiciness of Cabernet and the fresh leather and anise of Shiraz. The tannins are at once grainy and substantial providing a savoury and long finish. This is an excellent example of Australias own red blend and a pure expression of these unique terroirs.

The Stonehaven winery was built in 1998 by Hardy’s, with a focus to express what the Limestone Coast can offer as a region. Since then the brand has relaunched back into the market with wth a refreshed look with a range of wines for every occasion.

The superb Wynns Coonawarra Estate Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc is a debut release, marking the first time the winery has bottled this varietal as a standalone offering. Sourced from the McKillop Vineyard in northern Coonawarra, it features vibrant red fruit flavours of raspberry and violet, supported by fine chalky tannins and aged exclusively in large-format neutral French oak vats for freshness.

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.

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.

This St Hugo classic has aged into a seamlessly smooth masterpiece, perfectly balancing its signature power with a new, velvety elegance. The bold dark fruits and floral scents have softened into a rich, rounded flavor, while the once-strong tannins are now silky and easy-drinking. It is a sophisticated, deeply satisfying red that feels luxurious on the palate a premium Coonawarra Cabernet that is performing at its absolute peak right now.