As winelovers try this stunning Coonawarra Cabernet example, with concentrated chocolate, berry, mint, and spice flavours, a smooth acidity and a long finish, no doubt both it and Coonawarra will have even more devoted advocates. Coonawarra advocates will quickly point out that the famous strip of terra rosa makes some great wine, not just in Australia, but the world. Making this wine great for drinking now, while ensuring a long life.

Leconfield Merlot has big and juicy dark fruits, soft tannins all supported by lovely French oak. Paul Gordon continues to produce a serious Merlot for a great price, year in, year out. His Merlot is also one that will benefit from a little sit in the medium term cellar.

Well balanced grainy tannin structure - plum, black cherry, earthy dark fruits Long even palate, smooth and elegant texture.

Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is the beacon of quality that all Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is compared to. Coming off the iconic red soils of Coonawarra, Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon is classic elegance. Chief winemaker, Sue Hodder, is able to craft a wine brimming with aromas of blackcurrant and plum that combine with spicy minty notes. The palate is well structured, long and fine. With the right cellaring condition, this could easily be a cellar gem.

Elgins Crossing commemorates pioneering vigneron John Riddochs outward voyage to Australia aboard the sailing ship Lady Elgin in 1851. A classic Coonawarra red with beautiful fragrant blackcurrant, dark plum, bright cassis, earthy aromas and flavours, fine persistent silky tannins and underlying oak complexity. Matured in oak barrels, enjoy in its youth now or carefully cellar for the medium term.

Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon is a Coonawarra Cabernet that always looks classy. Big rich cassis, blackberry and raspberry fruit ripple with an appealing suggestion of leafiness. The very best oak is always used for Parker's wines and that is evident again with fine integrated influence of French oak that delivers a balanced cedar and cigar box finish.

Sisters Run is an independently owned and operated winery with a fierce commitment to make the best wines from family vineyards. The label pays reference to talented young winemaker Elena Brooks who wears steel cap boots in the day but carries a pair of high heels in the back of the ute, just in case of emergencies. This big Coonawarra red is just about perfect to drink now. Its blackcurrant flavours will shine with roast lamb and rosemary potatoes or a duck ragu with creamy wild mushroom sauce.

A full bodied, intense red with blackcurrant, cedar, and white pepper flavours. Elegant, fine grained tannin gives this wine good potential to age. Excellent with roast meats or BBQ steak.

Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is classic Coonawarra all the way. Smells of mint and blackcurrant, tastes of cassis and mocha. Over two years in wood, and time in bottle soften the tannins leaving just a gentle grip. A bargain at this price!

The Parker Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is made in a riper, more generous style to its peers, yet with enough restraint to display the distinct varietal and regional characteristics. Dark chocolates, violets and notes of liquorice capture the nose, revealing a expansive soft palate layered in berry fruits. Supported by fine grain tannins, the wine encompassing a classic structure, one that can be enjoyed on release and or cellared short to medium term.