Malt, toffee and caramel characters lead, with lovely clean spirit lifting up florals and hints of rancio and raisin. The palate is elegant, fresh and smooth with spicy complex toffee and fish oil. A round and rich mid palate is made tight with clear fine spirit, and creamy intense malt notes stretch for a long, clean finish. Pair with dry coconut ice cream, dark chocolate ganache and baked apple or bitey cheddar with figs, dates and prunes.

A relatively new addition to the Wynns stable to compliment the Coonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Merlot and the Coonawarra Shiraz, The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon brings lovely varietal and regional character in a Cabernet that is approachable on release, but also benefits from a few years in the medium term cellar. According to chief winemaker, Sue Hodder, The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon aims to deliver a leading affordable Cabernet that showcases exceptional varietal and region characteristics of red cherry, mint and dark berry flavours, while an array of gentle tannins will further reward from short to medium term cellaring.

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.

Wynns 'Red Stripe' Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot continues to be a market leader and beacon for quality wine at an affordable price. Cabernet brings cassis and mint, while spice and plummy fruit is provided by the Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now or cellar for a year or two.

One of the benchmark wines to come out of the Coonawarra, the Penfolds Bin 128 is a delightful cool-climate shiraz. Matured in French Oak, with flavours of white pepper and floral spice, the 2014 Bin 128 is a rich and full-bodied Shiraz.

Soft rounded and fruit-driven this is a good example of the approachable easy drinking Merlot variety. Generous plummy flavour with just a touch of oak and light tannins make this wine enjoyable now.</p>

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.

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.

Katnook are synonymous with premium quality Cabernet from Coonawarra and this brilliant wine stands up against any great Cabernet in the world. Aged for 35 month in French oak, the aromas and flavours of dark berries and spicy plum are beautifully interwoven with mulberry. Will age for 10 - 20 years with ease.

Zema Estate have been producing quality Coonawarra Cabernet since 1982 but have been "growing" since the 1800's. The 2004 Family Selection Cab benefits greatly from a cool growing season allowing the rich flavours of blackcurrants and dark cherry to shine.