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.

The remnants of an ancient seabed formed the hard-packed Limestone base which atop sits the famous Coonawarra Red Terra-Rossa. Even today the marine life can be seen with the soft rock providing a natural filter for the water pooled in the aquifer below. A millennium in creation, it is these features combined that provide almost perfect conditions for premium grapes to grow. The ocean breeze still blows from the west providing the cool nights to compliment the warm days and development of flavour for our Coonawarra wines.

The wine has a deep purple and crimson colour with bright red hues. The Night Owl has lifted aromas of dark plum and blackberries covered with a blanket of fire toasted and chocolate oak. There is a depth of flavours with dark plum and forest fruits weaving through layers of mouth-coating yet fine tannins with pepper and spice mix holding through the finish.

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.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz reflects its terra rossa origins and enduring pedigree. After four years of ageing, the wine shows greater harmony and polish, with its structure and balance reinforcing its reputation as a reliably cellar-worthy classic that continues to reward patience.

This Shiraz from Coonawarra is dark red incolour and offers an enticing bouquet of lifted blackberries with hints of cedar spice. On the palate, there are flavours of blackberries and plum, accompanied by gently firm tannins, allowing a finish that is packed with flavour.