When it comes to Australian Merlot, Katnook is among the very best. Lovely plum dark berry and cedary cigar box characters slip seamlessly into a finish that seems everlasting. Aged for 22 months in French oak, the swathes of blackcurrant are a delight to the senses.

Only the very best makes it into our Family Selection range. We are so excited to present this wine to you. With luscious notes of cassis and black currant, accented by hints of black olives, vanillin and cedar. Its rich and velvety texture is supported by structured tannins, promising an age-worthy delight.

It has the tannin structure and the fruit of a world class Cabernet Sauvignon.

The colour is medium density and purple edged, the aroma is of cedar and spicy cassis Cabernet and the earthy terroir character of the Whalebone Vineyard. The Shiraz plays a role in filling out the middle palate. The core of the wine is sweet but the finish is of gentle savoury tannin.The fruit flavours are sweet at the core but the wine retains the elegance, savory balance and refined but determined tannins, which are hallmarks of the Whalebone terroir.

John Riddoch MHA, who entered South Australia's Parliament (1865) as the South East's representative. Founded the Coonawarra Wine Region (1890) with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The 2021 Riddoch The Representative Cabernet Merlot exhibits Cassis redcurrant spice aromas, fine chalky tannins and generous flavours. Aged in new-and-seasoned French and American oak for around 12 months, the wine is supple with gentle vigour. Drink now or may be cellared for years to come.

Lifted red and black cherry notes, silky tannins and underlying oak influence balance this classic Coonawarra Merlot. Matured in new and seasoned french oak barrels enhancing the complexity of flavours. Drink now or will reward careful cellaring for up to 8 years.

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.

TAPANAPPA Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Merlot, Wrattonbully

2016 was a superb vintage in Wrattonbully, and Shiraz was one of the stand-out varieties, as this impressive example shows. Drinking well.Inky deep brick colour. Aromas of prune, blackcurrant, leather, white pepper, earth and mocha. A developed Shiraz with a concentrated plummy core, firm and layered tannins, plenty of chocolatey oak, and secondary cigar box and old leather notes.

This comes from Wrattonbully, north of Coonawarra in South Australia, where Cabernet Franc is emerging as the regions number one red grape variety.