2006 Patrick of Coonawarra Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were grown at the Toccaciu Coonawarra estate, and the wine was matured for 26 months in French and American oak; while I am not a fan of ProCork, this is a very attractive wine, which has cruised through six, rising seven, years, the cassis and cedar flavours supported by very fine but persistent tannins.

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. An opulent and complex palate of plum, ripe cherry and dark chocolate. The seamless oak integration and generous palate weight is complemented by persistent length and fine, chalky tannins.

In 2004, similar vintage conditions to the iconic 1962 vintage, inspired Penfolds winemakers to recreate Max Schuberts iconic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon from Block 20, alongside Koonunga Hill and Kalimna Shiraz, were included in the 2004 Penfolds Bin 60A blend.

A 65% Shiraz, 35% Cabernet blend, which manages to be intense yet refined at the same time. A stunning drink now but will also reward further cellaring. Decant.Deep red. Blackberry, plum, dried sage, dark chocolate and charry oak aromas. Deeply flavoured and richly fruited, with fine yet deep tannins underpinning the savoury mix of red and black fruit, supple acidity and plenty of oak on the rich finish.

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.

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.

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.