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.

Pioneer of the Coonawarra region, John Riddoch, lends his name to the highway that dissects the famous 'terra rossa' dominated region which is home to some of Australia's premier red wine vineyards. The fruit for this evocative Shiraz is sourced from some of these vineyards and is aged in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months to develop increased complexity. Exuding plum and red fruit aromas with just a tiny hint of oak that supports the rich textured palate. Perfect for enjoying today or for careful medium term cellaring.

John Riddoch's first vintage of Coonawarra Claret (1890) was a shiraz-dominant wine. As the region's first wine grower he envisaged that Coonawarra would become one of Australia's finest wine regions. The 2021 Riddoch The Winegrower Shiraz has frangrant blackberry anise aromas, supple tannins and complex graphite tones define the stylish Coonawarra Shiraz. Matured in new and seasoned French and American oak barrels. Drink now or will reward careful cellaring for up to 10 years.

A Coonawarra Merlot is worth pausing for and this one is no different. From the Riddoch vineyard, this Cabernet Merlot has spicy chocolate and plum aromas and smooth, supple tannins. This flavoursome Merlot can be enjoyed straight away or aged for three to five years.

Lifted red and black cherry notes, silky tannins and underlying oak influence balance this classic Coonawarra Merlot. Matured in new and seasoned french oak barrels enhancing the complexity of flavours. Drink now or will reward careful cellaring for up to 8 years.

John Riddoch MHA, who entered South Australia's Parliament (1865) as the South East's representative. Founded the Coonawarra Wine Region (1890) with the aspiration of making the finest wine in the country. The 2021 Riddoch The Representative Cabernet Merlot exhibits Cassis redcurrant spice aromas, fine chalky tannins and generous flavours. Aged in new-and-seasoned French and American oak for around 12 months, the wine is supple with gentle vigour. Drink now or may be cellared for years to come.

John Riddoch (1827 - 1901) is the man responsible for putting Coonawarra on the map after establishing the Coonawarra Fruit Colony in 1891. Today, Coonawarra and its famous 'terra rossa' strip of limestone rich soil is home to some of Australia's greatest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. This Riddoch Cabernet is an exciting expression of the region with its deep purple colour, spicy plum, chocolate and toasty vanillan aromas which are followed by a luscious palate of blueberry and accompanying eucalypt accented spice.

John Riddoch is not only a famous name in the region of Coonawarra, but an important figure in the Australian wine industry. His pioneering spirit and love of the region has been translated into this bottle of rich and smooth Coonawarra Merlot. Aromas and flavours of ripe plums, dense blueberry and a fine grain tannin structure to support. A welcome return from a highly regarded wine name that won't disappoint if opened today or cellared for the short to medium term.

Elgin's crossing commemorates pioneering vigneron John Riddoch's outward voyage to Australia aboard the sailing ship lady Elgin in 1851. Riddoch went on to become an influential figure in South Australia, establishing the Coonawarra fruit colony in 1890.

This wine epitomises Coonawarra at its very finest. Deep magenta in colour with rich blackberry aromatics and hints of spiced cedar oak. Lush blackberry plays on the palate, while the fine tannin structure creates an elegant, balanced finish with persistent length. Aged in a combination of old and new French Oak for 15 months with an additional 24 months of bottle maturation prior to release, this wine will drink well now but also reward careful cellaring for 10-15 years.