Big, beautiful and bold - the wines from Bowen Estate have a huge following. Loaded with cedary and blackberry flavours and firm in structure this wine will reward patient cellaring.

Is a cracker, but an idiosyncratic wine; much in the same way as Bordeaux’s Château Tertre Roteboeuf. It’s the type of claret style that would win a prize in the Australian Burgundy classes of yore. Voluminous and inky deep, it show lifted cassis, cedar, dried apricot, hint wood varnish aromas and flavours, fine supple/slinky texturesand well-integrated roasted chestnut notes. This is a terrific ‘vin de garde’ with all the elements for long term ageing. A high water mark for Terre à Terre.

Leconfield's Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship of Leconfield and a classic Coonawarra Cabernet. Blackcurrant aromas are combined with cedary oak and the palate is laden with sweet berry fruit balanced by fine lingering tannins. Paul Gordon has taken this classic beauty to even greater heights in recent years as its award history can attest.

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!

Blood plum, blackcurrant, cold drip coffee and ironstone. Densely flavoured through the mid palate - full of plush black fruits, leather and spice. With all the depth and broodiness mentioned, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a heavy beast of a wine – there’s a brightness of fruit adding freshness and a kick of vibrancy here. Tannins are powdery and fine, wound tightly amongst the ripe cassis core of fruit that drives the palate.

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.

V&A Lane Shiraz showcases a contrasting wine style from one of the most beloved grape varietals. A purposely early harvest to highlight a fresh red fruit spectrum, naturally lower alcohol, whole bunch inclusion, wild ferments, and the use of larger oak for maturation are just some of the techniques employed to make these beautiful food friendly wines. Bright cherry and blueberry complement more savoury elements of stalks, pastry, and spice. There is a light yet expansive quality to the palate. The pure fruits flow through to lingering crushed pepper and a biscuity finish.

Aromas of casis, raspberries and savoury undertones. Tannins are slightly firm, with a lovely tempo all the way to the finish. The merlot provides a soft, mid palate which is supported by black currant and toasted, savoury spice. The acid is still lovely and bright making this a joy to drink.

Wynns is in the fortunate position to have holdings of some of Coonawarra's oldest Shiraz vines and coupled with recent plantings in the 1990s, Wynns now have fruit that is worthy of its own place amongst the Wynns elite. Enter Wynns Black Label Shiraz - with a dense, dark nose of pepper, mulberries and distinctive florals that are the perfect gateway to a palate that is rich and complex. Flavours of layered red berry, spice and chocolate with tight, focused tannins that will see the Black Label Shiraz become another Wynns favourite.

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.