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 vibrant crimson hue, the wine shows ripe red berry fruit and plum flavours with hints of spice. Matured in new and seasoned French oak hogsheads, the seamlessly integrated oak intertwines with a core of intense dark fruit. Plush, velvety tannins lead to a long and persistent length of flavour. This has all the hallmarks of a classic Coonawarra Shiraz and will drink well now but will reward patient cellaring for 10 to 15 years.

Coonawarra Estate's Shiraz Cabernet blend offers a harmonious fusion of two classic varietals, reflecting the unique terroir of the Coonawarra region. Here's an overview of its typical tasting notes: Appearance: Deep ruby red with purple hues. Aroma: Enticing aromas of ripe blackberries, dark plums, and subtle black pepper, complemented by hints of cedar and violet florals. Palate: Medium to full-bodied, showcasing flavors of dark cherries and blackberries, elevated by notes of nutmeg, pepper, and subtle violet florals. Finish: Smooth, velvety tannins lead to a lingering finish, with nuances of dark chocolate and black olive. This blend beautifully balances the spiciness of Shiraz with the structured elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine that's both complex and approachable.

The Malleea (an aboriginal word for 'green paddock') is a very fine exapmle of the classic Australian Cabernet/Shiraz blend. The 2008 is rich, dark magenta in colour, with ripe plums, spice and vanillin oak on the nose. The palate is like a complex fruit cake with layers of fresh berries, black olives and hints of chocolate.

The Zema family has a proud history of producing great Coonawarra wines with plenty of regional character. This rich inky offering is redolent of ripe berries with a long satisfying finish.

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.

Rich varietal aromas of raspberry, liquorice and plum are combined with spicy fruit flavours in this beautiful Katnook Estate wine. The subtle vanillin oak and the distinctive underlying pepper that could only come from a Coonawarra Shiraz.

With 2008 being one of the greatest vintages recorded in modern history in South Australia, little gems like this 2008 Jamiesons Run Shiraz are worth their weight in gold. Ripe berry fruit with touches of mint chocolate biscuit and hints of black pepper spice. A few years in our climate controlled cellars has softened the tannins nicely to provide a fantastic value for money red wine suited to many cuisine types.

The Max Schubert Cabernet Shiraz is testament to Penfolds' winemaking philosophy and the art of multi-regional blending. A wine with great complexity and length, which combines the intense red fruits with leathery oak and savoury tannins. This Penfolds will drink beautifully now yet it also has the structure for careful cellaring.

Medium bodied with the plush dark berry fruit framed by fine grained tannins to give a long and persistent 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.