The Waxed Bat Reserve
"Big and gold, lots of chocolaty plum fruit, cassis, tobacco, liquorice. An extremely polished effort" (Decanter World Wine Awards). The legendary Opi Sadler has triumphed again! His Waxed Bat Reserve edition had taken Gold and Platinum medals, then Best in Show Trophy at the highly prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. That was beating 17,000 other wines from around the world. Perhaps it should be of no surprise when we know it has so much intense ripe black fruit and creamy oak. It clearly shows that Malbec and Cabernet from Argentina's high altitude Mendoza region is a match made in heaven. Even better when the wines are aged in barrel, too. It's a sumptuous mouthfilling red, smooth enough to drink solo but at its very best with garlic studded roast lamb, a juicy steak or a warming casserole. Decant early if you can.
Redman Bill & Arthur Coonawarra Shiraz
The Bill & Arthur is named after two pioneering and well-regarded Coonawarra local legends and, we are delighted to tell you, that in the glass, this special exclusive is deep, dark and downright delicious. Drawn from the 1890s heritage row and other Redman vineyards with an average vine age of about 50 years, the Bill & Arthur stands as a classic Coonawarra Shiraz: medium-bodied, with a richness of fruit that ripens at a lower alcohol level than typical Barossa and McLaren Vale Shiraz. Hand-plunged and basket-pressed, the 2021 exhibits generous blackcurrent, violet and bramble aromas, leading to a savoury flavor profile with a touch of pepper and Chinese five-spice playing in the background. Just add barbequed ribeye with black pepper sauce. Dan Redman describes the 2021 vintage as one of Coonawarra’s best. Matured in aged American and French oak for about 12 months. Will cellar for 5 to 10 years but ready for immediate drinking pleasure.
Jim Brand The Remnants Coonawarra Shiraz
The Brand family story starts with the arrival of Eric Brand in Coonawarra in 1950. Today Brand & Sons is run by Sam Brand, the 4th generation of this family, which has played a major role in Coonawarra for over 70 years. This is a Coonawarra Shiraz of great acclaim and considerable complexity. "The 'Remnants' is a reference to the ancient sea bed that formed the hardened limestone seen throughout Coonawarra. Blackberry, dark cherry pit and elderberry. Hawthorn and kampot peppers. Nyon olive, sea moss and granite. There is a volcanic rock or mineral element that speaks on ancient seabed and time passing its a wine for those that like to ponder. Decant and its linear frame and perky acidity. Tannins are fine and silty. A very elegant drink". (Shanteh Wale, The Halliday Wine Companion).
Riddoch Wines The Author Shiraz
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 a synonymous with the region’s story. The Author represents the finest expression of the vintage. Made from fruit from a vineyard situated from the warmer end of the region in the northern part of Coonawarra. The vineyard is 20 to 25 years, with a mixture of red loam over limestone and ironstone, with the fruit machine picked. Intense dark fruits with integrated oak that lets the fruit shine. A finish of gently refined tannins that complement the fruit.
Jack Estate Mythology Shiraz
Leeuwin Estate Prelude Cabernet
The bouquet shows great density, ripe concentrated blackcurrant, anise, black cardamom and lifted lavender with hints of black olives and plum aromas. The entry on the palate is soft and succulent whilst displaying a subtle texture with a black core of fruit including boysenberry, dark cherries and olive tapinade. The tannin and acid are seamlessly integrated from the front through to the long and lingering finish.
Riddoch Vocation Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon
The Vocation Series pays tribute to John Riddoch’s multifaceted capabilities and the many vocations he had in his lifetime, reflected by the ultimate expression of Coonawarra’s varietal diversity. Linking single vineyard wines and interesting wine-making techniques with the personality evoked by Riddoch’s various professions. John Riddoch’s wool clip was the most highly prized wool in South Australia. He also established the Coonawarra wine region in 1890 with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to this history as the flagship varietal for Coonawarra. Vibrant cassis, blackberry and violet notes, silky tannins and underlying cedar oak design this classic Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured in new and seasoned French oak barrels for added complexity of flavour. Drink now or will reward careful cellaring for up to 8 years.
Taltarni Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Crafted exclusively from Estate grown fruit, Taltarni Cabernet Sauvignon honours the winerys international reputation for making superb red wines. Taltarnis great legacy is deeply rooted in the unique combination of low yielding gravelly loam soils of its vineyards and the temperate climate of the Pyrenees, producing wines hallmarked by distinctive regional characteristics of mint, pepper and spice. A dark purple colour, the wine displays blackberry and blackcurrant flavours balanced with nice toasty characters provided by the French oak. On the palate, the tannins offer a nice structure where the fruit carries the flavours for quite a long time.
Chateau Puygueraud
Pikes Wilfred's Block Clare Valley Cabernet Shiraz
The Pike brothers established Pikes winery in the Polish Hill sub-region of the Clare Valley in 1984, renovating an old stone shearing shed to house their winery and cellar door. Neil is the veteran winemaker (he’s done 38 vintages in Clare); Andrew the seasoned viticulturist (he spent 22 years working for big names like Wynn’s Coonawarra and Southcorp before establishing Pikes). Together they turn out formidable wines that earn plenty of show medals and critical acclaim. Their richly textured 2017 'Wilfred's Block' really is magnificent. A definitive Australian blend of inky, slatey Cabernet and sumptuous, spicy Shiraz, it’s a contemplative wine – the layers of flavour will reveal themselves slowly – and perfect for winter sipping. It will cellar well until 2032, but is still drinking beautifully now. Decant, pour into big glasses, and savour with good food and good friends.