Andrew Caillard
A 2011 Review of Coonawarra by Andrew Caillard MW
It is now over a quarter century since Hugh Johnson, the eminent British wine writer, described Coonawarra as the "Medoc of the Southern Hemisphere". In the early 1980s, the region established an enviable reputation for its “claret” style wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Although the first wave of landmark vintages were based on Shiraz, for instance the Woodley’s Treasure Chest series (1949-1956), and the freak 1955 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael, a series of great wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon during the 1960s and 1970s captured the imagination of winemakers, wine critics and consumers.
1963 Mildara “Peppermint Patty” Cabernet Sauvignon and 1966 Penfolds Bin 620 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz were of particular note. Although 1962 Penfolds Bin 60A Cabernet Shiraz and 1967 Penfolds Bin 7 Cabernet Shiraz, were multi regional blends, Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon was the dominant feature.
The race for vineyard ownership particularly on terra rossa soils during the 1970s and 1980s lead to Coonawarra becoming the most fashionable fine wine region in Australia. Wine show success including several Jimmy Watson Trophy winners propelled the regional narrative. Australia’s largest wine companies, however, overwhelmingly dominated Coonawarra. Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate, Lindeman’s, Mildara, and Penfolds took the lion’s share of accolades, and with large financial budgets, controlled the regional marketing agenda. The ugly battle over the Coonawarra boundary during the early 1990s set winemakers against winemakers. Some observers saw protection of regional identity as the establishment of a cartel.
Coonawarra enjoyed a strong profile in the market place, but investment in vineyards by the leading commercial wineries was slowing down. The machine pruned and harvested vines were strangulated and knackered through lack of priority. The Coonawarra name was being milked for all it was worth with the marketing and sales of commercial Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz; all packaged and priced to hit the sweet-spot in retail markets home and abroad.
Many smaller wine producers struggled to find a voice in this sea of mediocrity. Yet things have turned around remarkably over the last decade. Coonawarra is well and truly back on the ascendancy. The work of Allen Jenkins and Sue Hodder at Coonawarra Estate and Pete Bissell at Balnaves epitomises a spirit of enlightenment. Many vineyards have been reconstructed or restored. Vineyard management based on soil profiles, clonal selection, vine-age and trellising has profoundly improved fruit quality.
Intuitive winemaking from years of experience and shared knowledge has lead to astonishing progress across the region. On my recent visit to Coonawarra I tasted through several mini-verticals, including unreleased vintages. The overall quality of the wines was impressive. 2008 vintage is clearly a great Coonawarra vintage. The wines are beautifully defined with superb pure fruit aromas, richness, volume and vinosity.
Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classification: Outstanding
Caillard’s comments: Balnaves is one of Coonawarra’s most exciting producers. The Tally Reserve is a Coonawarra First Growth that evokes superb regional authenticity.
2006 Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh intense beautifully complex wine with cassis/ praline/ mint/ dried roses and underlying vanilla/ mocha notes. Well concentrated elegant palate with cassis/ bitter dark chocolate flavours, fine lacy/ loose knit savoury tannins and underlying vanilla oak. Finishes chalky firm but persistent. Still in evolution, but plenty of substance. Classic tannin plume at the finish. 94 points. Now-2020+.
2007 Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Blackcurrant pastille/ blackberry/ mint/ herb garden aromas with some savoury/ nuances. Supple, almost juicy, blackcurrant pastille/ brambly flavours with fine slinky loose knit tannins and underlying savoury/ spicy oak. Finishes chalky/ chewy firm but long and flavourful. More approachable than the 2006 because of its fruit sweetness. 92 points. Now-2017+
2008 Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Lovely blackberry/ elderberry aromas with some herb notes. Sweet concentrated blackberry/ elderberry fruit, vanilla oak flavours, plenty of mid plate richness and chocolaty tannins. Tannin plume at the finish. 95 points. 2015-2030+.
2009 Balnaves The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Dark chocolate/ mint/ grilled nuts/ ginger/ touch of wood varnish. Elegant wine with crisp blackberry/ redcurrant/ minty flavours, cedar oak nuances, plentiful al-dente tannins. Finishes chewy and long. Still elemental but plenty of substance and richness. 89 points. 2014-2025.
Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classification: Distinguished
Caillard’s comments: Second generation winemaker Emma Bowen is making gorgeously scented, expressive and elegantly structured wine with superb minerality and weight. The wines can be lost in the ruck of more extracted and concentrated styles, but this wine is one of Coonawarra’s top wines. It deserves a higher placing in Langton’s Classification.
2006 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense cassis/ mint/ sage aromas - touch of leafy/ graphite notes. Buoyant cassis/ sage flavours, mid-palate richness, fine-grained tannins. Finishes firm with plume of gravel/ chalky tannins at the finish. 92 points. Now-2018.
2007 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense red plum/ forest floor/ vanilla/ touch of fresh mint, underlying cedar. Very classical aromas. Well concentrated red plum/ cassis fruit, savoury/ cedar oak, some minty notes, lovely smoothness, slinky voluminous gravelly tannins. Finishes chalky firm. Earthy, sous-bois nuances. This is a cracker and ready to drink. Reminiscent of Margaux commune. 94 points. Now-2016.
2008 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Ripe blackcurrant pastille/ Turkish Delight/ graphite aromas with some leafy/ forest floor/ sage. Well-concentrated blackberry/ plum/ peppermint flavours, fine lacy, touch sinewy tannins, but lovely richness of fruit. Finishes with a lovely plume of chalky/ al-dente tannins and pure fruit flavours. 93 points. Now-2020.
2009 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Dark chocolate/ mint/ cedar aromas - praline notes. The palate is generously proportioned with praline/ cassis/elderberry/ cedary/ touch sappy flavour, fine leafy/chewy tannins. Finishes firm and tight. 90 points. 2015-2020.
Brands Laira
Caillard’s comments: Brands Laira is making excellent commercial styles where the quality often over-delivers price point. The Stentifords Shiraz and Patron Cabernet Sauvignon are both lovely Coonawarra wines and perhaps deserve more recognition in the market place.
2009 Brand's Laira, Laira Vineyards Chardonnay
Medium bright yellow colour. Lemon curd/ tropical fruit aromas with some mineral notes. Sweet lemon curd, tropical fruit/ guava flavours, some mid-palate creaminess, savoury oak, acid cut. Finishes long and minerally. 87 points. Now-2014.
2009 Brand's Laira, Laira Vineyards, Cabernet Merlot
Medium deep colour. Blueberry/ aniseed/ plum aromas. Very fresh wine with blueberry/ cassis flavours, ripe plentiful tannins, almost chocolaty. Plenty of buoyancy, vinosity and weight. Lovely flavour length. Very good commercial style. 89 points. Now-2015.
2008 Brand's Laira, Laira Vineyards, Shiraz
Medium deep colour. Fresh blackberry/ dusty aromas - some herb notes. Compact, touch tangy, blackberry/ plum flavours, fine chalky tannins and high-pitched acidity. 85 points. Now-2016.
2009 Brand's Laira, Laira Vineyards Shiraz
Medium deep colour. Fragrant blueberry/ plum/ aniseed/ white pepper aromas. Well-concentrated blueberry/ red currant flavours, fine chalky dry tannins. Finishes crisp and dry. 86 points. Now-2017.
2008 Brand's Laira, Blockers Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Lovely intense blackcurrant/ sage aromas with underlying savoury oak. Sweet blackcurrant pastille/ undergrowth/ fresh leafy flavours, fine-grained tannins, underlying savoury oak. Finishes touch bitter - but tannin plume and mineral acidity. 90 points. Now-2018.
2006 Brand's Laira, Stentifords Old Vine Shiraz
Medium deep colour. Blackberry/ walnut/ dark chocolate aromas. Sweet concentrated wine with voluminous blackberry/ fig/ walnut/ earthy flavours, supple chalky lacy tannins, underlying savoury/ bracken notes. Finishes firm and long. 92 points. Now-2020.
2008 Brand's Laira, Stentifords Old Vine Shiraz
Deep colour. Lovely black fruit/ praline/ violet/ liquorice aromas. Well-concentrated wine with deep-set blackcurrant pastille/ chocolaty flavours, savoury loose knit and fine grained tannins, with some vanilla notes. Finishes with a tannin kick. 93 points. Now-2022.
2004 Brand's Laira, The Patron Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Earthy/ truffle/ cassis aromas with some hedgerow/ brambly notes. Sweet concentrated wine with earthy/ truffle/ cassis flavours, fine chalky dry tannins, fresh line of acidity gives vinosity and lift. 90 points. Now-2020.
2006 Brand's Laira, The Patron Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense boysenberry/ touch of bitumen/ graphite/ cassis notes. Sweet fruit flavours, cassis/ boysenberry flavours, touch of leafy notes, dense chalky dry tannins. Acid blows out at the finish. 90 points. Now-2025.
2009 Brand's Laira, The Patron Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Very elemental violet/ liquorice allsorts/ black fruits/ graphite aromas. Sweet concentrated black berry fruit flavours, chalky dense tannins, and underlying savoury oak. All the elements are there! Finishes firm and tight. 93 points. 2014-2030.
2010 Brand's Laira, Strange Bedfellows Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz/ Merlot
Deep colour. Plum/ cassis/ fruit pastille aromas touch of camomile/ violet. Sweet fruit/ deep-set blackcurrant/ brambly flavours, fine plentiful touch al-dente tannins. Finishes long and flavourful with a flick of tannin length. 93 points. Now-2016.
2010 Brand's Laira, Tightrope Walker Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Very youthful aniseed/ blueberry/ elderberry/ touch of sage aromas. Fresh sweet fruit/ plum/ blueberry flavours, supple savoury lacy tannins. Vigorous finish. 88 points. Now-2016.
Di Giorgio Family Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Caillard’s comments. The 2008 vintage shows the promise of this emerging Coonawarra wine producer.
2004 Di Giorgio Family Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Mint/ forest floor/ cassis aroma. Sweet fruit/ mint/ sous bois flavours/ cassis, fine grainy tannins. Cedar oak. Acidity pokes out at finish. 87 points. Now-2020.
2005 Di Giorgio Family Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Mushroom/ kiwi polish/ blackcurrant aromas - some smoky/ graphite notes. Sweet fruit/ blackcurrant/aniseed flavours, fine chalky dry/ touch sinewy tannins. Finishes firm and tight (acid). < 85 points. Now-2020.
2006 Di Giorgio Family Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Earthy/ wood varnish aromas some mocha-berry notes. Well-concentrated earthy mocha/ espresso/ blackberry flavours, chocolaty dry tannins. Finishes cedary and long. 86 points. Now-2022.
2008 Di Giorgio Family Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Ethereal peppermint/blackberry/ cedar aromas - touch of malt. Sweet fruit/ plummy fruit, plenty of volume and richness, chalky fine-grained tannins. Finishes firm - touch leafy at the finish. Very classical. 94 points. 2014-2030.
Highbank Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard
Caillard’s comments: Denis Vice’s Highbank is making beautiful and consistent wine across several vintages. The Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a strong authentic and inimitable regional voice that is incredibly impressive. This is the find of the year.
2005 Highbank Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard
Medium deep colour. Fresh blackcurrant/ cedar/ vanilla aromas with some herb garden notes. Sweet plump plummy/ dark chocolate flavours, firm gravel tannins, finishes long and sweet and minerally. 89 points. Now-2020.
2006 Highbank Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard
Medium deep colour. Perfumed blackcurrant/ herb garden/ dried rose/ cedar aromas. Sweet blackcurrant/ Parma violet/ herb flavours, a core of fruit sweetness, fine slightly brambly tannins. Finishes long and chalky. 92 points. Now-2020.
2007 Highbank Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard
Medium deep colour. Violet/ cassis/ herb aromas - underlying vanilla notes. Well-concentrated sweet cassis/ praline/ Parma violet flavours, some spicy notes, chocolaty/ al-dente/ chewy pronounced tannins and marked acidity. Finishes long and sweet. Not overly muscular or sinewy. Should further evolve and settle down. 91 points. Now-2018.
2008 Highbank Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard
Medium deep colour. Fresh blueberry/ cassis/ redcurrant. Very fruit driven wine with underlying sage/ cedar. Sweet generous smooth blackberry/ sage fruit, lovely concentration, fine loose knit chalky tannins. Builds up firm and chewy at the finish but long and flavourful. Superbly weighted wine with all the elements in balance. 95 points. Now-2025.
2009 Highbank Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard
Medium deep colour. Aromatic graphite/ star anise/ blackcurrant/ cedar aromas. Well-concentrated sweet fruit blackcurrant/ red plum/ cedar flavours, vigorous firm sinewy/ touch al-dente tannins. Velocity and richness. 93 points.
Now-2020.
Hollick
Caillard’s comments: Hollick is making a suite of excellent and inventive wines that offer value and plenty of enjoyment. Top cuvee Ravenswood performs really well in top vintages. It is a pity it does not get the volume of interest on the secondary wine market because intrinsically it deserves classification. The 2008 Neilson’s Merlot is a cracker and one of the best Australian Merlots I have come across.
2009 Hollick Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir
Pale colour. Very fruity/ pear/ white apricot/ strawberry aromas. Well-concentrated palate with flinty/ pear skin/ strawberry flavours, fine piercing acidity and creamy mousse. 87 points. Now.
2010 Hollick Coonawarra Savignin
Pale colour. Fresh floral/ stone fruit aromas with touch of aniseed/ herb. Fresh camomile/ stone fruit flavours, supple textures and fine mineral acidity. Good volume and persistency. Lean acidity at the finish. < 85 points. Now
2010 Hollick Sauvignon Blanc Savignin Semillon
Pale colour. Fresh herb garden/ aniseed/ white flower aromas. Well-concentrated wine with camomile/ lemony flavours, bitter herb notes, fine cutting acidity. Plenty of flavour length. 88 points. Now.
2010 Hollick Bond Road Chardonnay
Medium pale colour. Intense lime/ white peach/ pear skin aromas with underlying vanilla notes. Creamy white peach/ musky pear flavours, fine chalky textures, underlying savoury/vanilla. Finishes crisp/tangy, but long.
88 points. Now-2016.
2008 Hollick Coonawarra Tannery Block Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
Medium deep colour. Fresh blackcurrant/ elderberry/ liquorice aromas, underlying cedar. Classical palate with blackcurrant/ aniseed/ red plum flavours, fine-grained tannins, cedar nuances. Finishes quite brambly and chewy firm. Mineral acidity at the finish. 92 points. Now-2018
2009 Hollick Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Fresh cassis/redcurrant/ peppermint/ sage aromas. Sweet redcurrant/ cassis flavours, supple fine-grained tannins, underlying raspberry notes and vanilla. Builds up chalky form but long and sweet.
91 points. Now-2018.
2008 Hollick Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Blackcurrant/ elderberry/ choco-mint aromas with touch of espresso/ vanilla. Sweet plummy/ dark chocolate fruit flavours, fine chalky loose knit tannins, lovely richness and suppleness on the mid-palate. Finishes grainy, savoury and long. 94 points. Now-2020.
2006 Hollick Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Evolved coffee/ espresso/ walnut/ black fruit aromas. Well-concentrated wine with coffee/ prune/ walnut/ mushroom flavours. Plentiful drying tannins but balanced with fruit sweetness and substance. Finishes firm and brambly. 89 points. Now-2018.
2008 Hollick Coonawarra Wilgha Shiraz
Medium deep colour. Intense blueberry/mulberry/ praline aromas with some savoury nuances touch of flint. Sweet buoyant mulberry/ black plum/ chocolate flavours, chalky dense tannins, underlying fresh walnut notes. Finishes firm but long and sweet. 93 points. Now-2018.
2006 Hollick Coonawarra Wilgha Shiraz
Medium deep colour. Mushroom/ earthy/ blackberry aromas and flavours, chalky/ sinewy tannins. Mid-plate buoyancy and savoury nuances. Finishes bittersweet with tangy acidity. 85 points. Now-2016.
2008 Hollick Coonawarra Neilson's Block Merlot
Medium deep colour. Fresh dark chocolate/ plum/ roasted chestnut aromas. Sweet plummy/ dark chocolate flavours, fine chocolaty velvety dense tannins, vanilla oak, lovely vinosity and substance. Very impressive wine with superb complexity. One of the finest Australian merlots of all time! 95 points. Now-2024.
2010 Hollick The Nectar
Medium pale colour. Fresh lemon curd/ marzipan/ honey aromas. Quite concentrated almost paneforte, with marzipan/ nutty/ apricot flavours, sweet viscosity. Finishes minerally and touch chalky. 89 points. Now-2016.
2002 Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Evolved and complex meaty forest floor/ truffle aromas with some dark berry notes. The palate is soft and round with truffle/ cassis/ cedar flavours, plenty of sweet fruit/ mid-palate buoyancy, fine chalky tannins and flavour length. Outstanding mature wine. 97 points. Now-2018.
2005 Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Pond water/ praline/ cassis/ herb aromas and flavours, well-concentrated, chocolaty tannins. Finishes velvety and long. 86 points. Now-2020.
2006 Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense black cherry/ mint aromas - cedar notes. Plenty of volume but very chalky dry touch sinewy/ al dente tannins. 86 points. Now-2025.
2008 Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Lovely blackcurrant pastille/ praline/ sage aromas and flavours, smooth rich palate with cassis/ herb flavours and fine grained tannins, underlying new oak. Lovely wine. 94 points. 2015-2025.
Katnook
Caillard’s comments: Katnook plays in both the commercial and fine wine markets. The wines, particularly the reds, offer good value but are rarely thrilling.
2009 Katnook Estate Founders Block Riesling
Pale colour. Lime/ herb garden/ touch of verbena/ hint of oilskin. Well concentrated minerally style with lemon/ pear skin, touch al dente texture, fine clear acidity. Finishes long and slightly chalky.
86 points. Now-2018.
2010 Katnook Estate Riesling
Pale colour. Herb/ violet/ camomile/ spring flowers/ very floral. Sweet fruit lemon curd/ grapefruit/ musky pear/ camomile flavours, chalky loose knit texture, mineral acidity. Very pretty young wine. 92 points. Now-2020.
2009 Katnook Estate Founder's Block Sauvignon Blanc
Pale colour. Fresh tropical fruit/ apricot/ pear aromas. Sweet tropical fruit/ passion fruit/ touch toasty flavours, fine creamy mouth filling palate crisp acidity. Finishes long and sweet. < 85 points. Now.
2010 Katnook Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Pale colour. Fragrant/ camomile/ herbaceous aromas. Sweet pear/ camomile/ sweet fruit flavours, supple fruit, very fine chalky texture, plenty of volume, finishes long and minerally. Very good. 93 points. Now-2015.
2009 Katnook Estate Founder's Block Chardonnay.
Pale colour. Tropical fruit/ touch of green pea/ white peach aromas. Mineral restrained style with white peach/ pear flavours, touch al dente texture, long mineral acidity. Quite tangy at the finish. < 85 points. Now-2016.
2008 Katnook Estate Chardonnay
Medium pale colour. Pear/ wood varnish/ cedar/ vanilla/ grilled nuts. Very complex with some toasty nuances. Sweet creamy flavours with pear/ toasty/ herb/ cedar flavours, some hazelnut nites. Finishes bittersweet. Very concentrated. Will have its appeal but quite old fashioned. < 85 points. Now-2016.
2008 Katnook The Caledonian Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay
Medium pale colour. Butter/ sage/ herb aromas. Well-concentrated herbaceous/ butter/ tropical/ verbena flavours, some biscuity notes. Finishes chalky but long and sweet. < 85 points. Now.
2008 Katnook Estate Founder's Block Merlot
Medium deep colour. Light Plummy/ cassis aromas with touch of herb. Surprisingly good volume with juicy/ plummy/ cassis/ herb garden flavours, fine supple tannins. 88 points. Now-2018.
2008 Katnook Estate Merlot
Medium deep colour. Fragrant plum/ redcurrant/ herb aromas with vanilla/ cedar oak notes. Well-concentrated buoyant wine with plum/ redcurrant/ herb flavours with touch of leafy/ sous bois notes, good mid-palate richness, and fine slinky tannins. Finishes long and sweet. Should build up more richness and complexity with age. 90 points. Now-2018.
2009 Katnook Estate Founder's Block Shiraz
Deep colour. Intense fragrant campari/ red cherry/ blueberry - smoky incense aromas. Medium weighted wine with red cherry/ campari/ chinotto-like flavours, slinky loose knit tannins. Finishes chalky firm and long. Very interesting and different! Very unusual wine! 88 points. Now-2018.
2008 Katnook Estate Shiraz
Deep colour. Lovely intense blueberry/ praline/ red plum/ herb garden aromas. Well-concentrated blueberry/ juicy fruit flavours, fine plentiful chocolaty tannins. Finishes chalky firm. Touch of liquorice. 89 points. Now-2020.
2009 Katnook Estate Founder's Block Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh cassis/peppermint/ sage aromas. Sweet fruited wine with cassis/ redcurrant flavours, fine supple loose knit tannins, buoyant mid palate richness. Finishes crisp with al dente tannin plume. Very commercial and gluggable. 86 points. Now-2018.
2009 Katnook Estate The Caledonian Cabernet Shiraz Petit Verdot
Deep colour. Intense blueberry/ chinotto/ redcurrant/ cedar fruit. Sweet supple blueberry/ redcurrant/ campari flavours, fine loose knit chalky tannins, Finishes long and sweet. Chalky firm. 88 points. Now-2018.
2008 Katnook Estate Founder's Block Sparkling Shiraz
Medium deep colour. Yeasty/ blackberry/ herb / peppermint. Sweet blackberry/ herb flavours, fine chalky dry tannins, plenty of volume and richness. Finishes juicy/ brambly. Very fresh and interesting. 91 points. Now-2018.
2004 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Mushroom/ forest floor/ truffle aromas - has lost a bit of freshness. Sweet chocolaty flavours, chalky dry tannins. Finishes firm/ gritty but good fruit sweetness. 85 points. Now-2018.
Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classification: Distinguished
Caillard’s comments: A reliable auction staple.
2005 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Flinty/ cassis/ chocolate/ graphite aromas. Sweet blueberry/ chocolaty flavours, vanilla oak. Touch metallic. < 85 points. Now-2015.
2006 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Black currant pastille/ espresso/ mocha aromas. Sweet blackcurrant/ mocha flavours, fine loose knit grainy tannins, cedar oak. Finishes firm. Quite classical in structure. 91 points. Now-2020.
2008 Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh blueberry/ black cherry aromas - touch of rhubarb. Dark cherry. Musky plum/ black cherry flavours, fine chalky dry tannins, good concentration and flavour length. Acidity blows out at the finish.
92 points. 2013-2022.
Katnook Estate The Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classification: Outstanding
Caillard’s comments: The secondary market continues to support this wine strongly. I feel the wine should be better considering its position and reputation in the market.
2004 Katnook Estate The Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep evolved colour. Fresh cedar wood/ cassis sous-bois aromas - touch of mint. Touch stale, but good extract, cedar/ mushroom. Truffle flavours. Christmas cake/ plum notes, chocolaty tannins. Finishes with a kick of tannins, long and sweet. 86 points. Now-2020.
2005 Katnook Estate The Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Rich dark chocolate - touch rum n raisin/ paneforte sweet fruit aromas. Sweet fruit flavours, plumy/dark chocolate/ roast chestnut flavours, fine chalky dense tannins. Minerally long and firm. Acidity pokes out a touch. 92 points. Now-2020.
2006 Katnook Estate The Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh sarsaparilla/ chinotto/ cola/ dark berry/ paneforte aromas. Plenty of fruit complexity. Sweet fruit flavours, fine lacy/ chocolaty tannins and underlying cedar oak. Finishes long and sweet/ chinotto flavours. 92 points. 2014-2020.
2008 Katnook Estate The Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Sumptuous modern style with fresh blueberry/ cassis/ elderberry aromas and vanilla notes. The palate is voluminous with buoyant blueberry/ musky plum flavours, ripe lacy tannins and vanilla oak. Firm chalky – touch metallic – finish. 91 points. 2014-2020.
Katnook Estate Prodigy
Langton’s Classification: Excellent
Caillard’s comments: A well regarded marque, and well liked by the secondary wine market, but I struggle with the style. The wines are technically fine but I feel that the pronounced acidity is a prophylactic and unsuited to the weight of the fruit.
2004 Katnook Estate Prodigy Shiraz
Deep colour. Intense red cherry/ redcurrant / praline/ mushroom aromas. Sweet concentrated wine with red cherry/ red currant flavours, slinky/ chalky tannins, herb garden notes. Finishes minerally. Acidity pokes out. Sweet and sour wine. < 85 points. Now-2018.
2005 Katnook Estate Prodigy Shiraz
Deep colour. Liquorice/ redcurrant/ aniseed aromas, biscuity oak notes. Lead pencil. Sweet fruit, red currant/ plum aromas, chunky dry tannins and underlying new cedar/ malt oak. Very firm touch acidic finish. 86 points. Now-2018.
2006 Katnook Estate Prodigy Shiraz
Deep colour. Fresh herb, lovely redcurrant/ roasted nut/ paneforte aromas. Sweet plummy/ red currant/ malty flavours, fine chocolaty tannins. Finishes crisp, but long and flavourful. 92 points. Now-2020.
2008 Katnook Estate Prodigy Shiraz
Deep colour. Intense blackberry/ vanilla/ malt aromas with boysenberry notes. Slightly over-ripe but generous fruit sweet boysenberry/ red currant/ malty/ vanillin flavours. Finishes firm and long. 86 points. Now-2018+.
Kidman Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Caillard’s comments: An emerging wine that has yet to find a voice.
2005 Kidman Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Cassis/ red cherry/ peppermint/ mushroom aromas. Well-concentrated cassis/ cherry stone/ sage/ sweet smooth chocolaty flavours. Still fresh and tight. 88 points. Now-2016.
2006 Kidman Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Cassis/ graphite/ lead pencil/ herb garden aromas. Sweet cassis/ graphite/ lead pencil flavours, sinewy tannins, cedar oak. < 85 points. Now–2020.
2008 Kidman Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Very ripe almost porty/ green pea/ leafy/ malty/ vanillin/ cedar aromas. Rich ripe wine with plenty of malty, vanilla oak; fruit subsides into background. < 85 points. Now-2020.
2009 Kidman Wines Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Choco/ mint/ herb garden aromas. Touch sweet, choco-mint flavours, fine grained slightly leafy tannins. 85 points. 2013-2020.
Koonara
Caillard’s comments: emerging producer on the ascendancy with some terrific 2008s.
2006 Koonara Angel's Peak Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Already quite developed mushroom/ minty aromas, cassis notes. Palate is quite chewy, chalky dry tannins. Acidity pokes out at the finish. 86 points. Now-2018.
2003 Koonara “Ambriel's Gift” Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Evolved fresh mushroom/ paneforte/ graphite aromas with some leafy/ herb notes. Sweet mushroom/ praline flavours, supple fruit, fine leafy dry tannins, but plenty of fruit sweetness. 91 points. Now-2016.
2004 Koonara Family Reserve “Ambriel's Gift” Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Ripe blackcurrant/ praline aromas with touches of graphite/ leaf. Sweet blackcurrant/ dark chocolate leafy flavours, brambly/ sinewy tannins. Finishes cedary and dry. 88 points. Now-2018.
2006 Koonara Family Reserve Ambriel's Gift Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Chocolate mint aromas with some walnut/vanilla oak nuances. Sweet chocolate/ mint flavours, fine sinewy dry tannins, underlying cedar oak. Very dry finish. 85 points. Now-2020.
2008 Koonara Family Reserve Ambriel's Gift Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Dark chocolate/black fruits/ leafy aromas - touch of peppermint. Dark chocolate/ leafy/ mint flavours, fine chalky dense tannins. Savoury oak. Finishes firm. A touch sinewy/ muscular. 89 points. Now-2020.
2006 Koonara Ezra's Gift Shiraz
Deep colour. Dark chocolate/ blackberry/ graphite aromas. Sweet fruit, blackberry/ praline flavours, slinky loose knit tannins. Chalky dry finish.
87 points. Now-2020.
2008 Koonara Ezra's Gift Shiraz
Deep colour. Intense mint/ deep blackberry pastille/ touch of wood varnish. Sweet blackberry/ Parma violet/ sage aromas, underlying new savoury/ biscuity oak. Fine-grained tannins. Finishes firm and long. 93 points. Now-2023.
Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Caillard’s comments: It is great to see Leconfield in this tasting. The wines are very reflective of the vintage. The 2008 is an excellent wine.
2007 Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh ground coffee/ cassis/ herb garden aromas. Leafy/ cassis/ espresso flavours, leafy/ grainy tannins and some cedar notes. Finishes firm - touch sappy. 85 points. Now-2018.
2008 Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense black fruits/ vanilla aromas. Well-concentrated Sweet black fruit/ liquorice/ vanilla flavours, chalky dense tannins. Finishes muscular firm. Lovely flavour length. 93 points. Now-2022.
2009 Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Blackcurrant/ cedar aromas. Very classic with concentarted cassis/ chocolate flavours, fine grained tannins and cedar oak. Acidity pokes out at finish. 89 points. 2013-2025.
2010 Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Very elemental blueberry/ boysenberry aromas and flavours, plentiful savoury tannins, underlying malty notes, fine chalky/ peppery finish. 87 points. 2013-2023.
Lindemans Trio Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet
Langton’s Classification: Distinguished
Caillard’s comments: Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet, along with St George Cabernet Sauvignon, were once flag-bearers for Coonawarra. This is no longer the exciting wine it should be. Nonetheless the wines are reliable and decent enough.
2005 Lindemans Trio Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet
Deep colour. Red plum/ chlorine/ mint - almost crushed ant aromas with some dark chocolate/ malt aromas. Well-concentrated touch briny/ chocolate / minerally flavours, lacy tannins - touch underpowered. Finishes lacy and long.
84 points. Now-2017+.
2006 Lindemans Trio Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet
Deep colour. Fragrant dark chocolate/ red berry/ espresso/ some caramelised notes. Plush praline/ redcurrant flavours, chocolaty sweet tannins and underlying malt/ tropical oak. Finishes firm and malty. 86 points. Now-2022.
2008 Lindemans Trio Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet
Deep colour. Intense fresh bramble/ boysenberry/ blueberry/ malty oak aromas. Well-concentrated blackberry/ boysenberry/ brambly flavours, brambly/ chalky tannins. Finishes al dente firm and long. 92 points. Now- 2024.
2009 Lindemans Trio Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet
Deep colour. Fresh raspberry vanilla aromas with some white pepper. Concentrated bitter sweet/ elderberry/ raspberry/ brambly flavours, touch of pepper, fine grainy - touch sappy tannins. Finishes chalky. 86 points. 2014-2020.
Majella Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classification: Distinguished
Caillard’s comments: A well-regarded Coonawarra Cabernet that generally delivers above expectations of the genre. I feel the 2006 has not quite lived up to its early promise, but this has been experienced across the board.
2006 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Intense complex cassis/ plum/ graphite/ leafy/ lavender/ mint aromas. Juicy fresh and evolved sweet concentrated cassis/ leafy/ Parma violet flavours, fine chalky dense tannins. Finishes long and bittersweet. 92 points. Now-2018.
2007 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Red plum/ mint/ sage/ black chocolate aromas. Buoyant red plum/ boysenberry flavours, ripe chocolaty tannins and underlying savoury oak. Finishes chalky dry with tannin plume. 88 points. Now-2017.
2008 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Expressive ripe redcurrant/ blackberry/ marzipan aromas with winter-green notes. Well-concentrated blackberry/ vanilla/ marzipan flavours, chalky/ touch al dente tannins. Plenty of extract; brambly dry finish. Needs time to meld. 93 points. 2015-2024+.
2009 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense black cherry/ mint/ vanilla aromas. Juicy sweet black cherry/ mint/ walnut flavours, deep-set chocolaty dry tannins and underlying savoury notes, Finishes firm, a touch bitter and leafy. 86 points. 2015-2025.
Majella The Malleea Cabernet Shiraz
Langton’s Classification: Outstanding
Caillard’s comments: This wine has become a favourite among wine collectors. I have previously scored the 2005 95 points, but as it has evolved the oak has come to the fore. I wonder whether I am being ungenerous? A good performer that evokes the essence of Coonawarra.
2004 Majella The Malleea Cabernet Shiraz
Deep colour. Intense plum/ paneforte aromas with some truffle notes, dried roses/ blackberry/ graphite aromas and flavours, well concentrated palate with plenty fruit sweetness, underlying mocha/ vanilla. Chocolaty tannins. Finishes chalky firm and long. 94 points. Now-2020.
2005 Majella The Malleea Cabernet Shiraz
Deep colour. Dark fruit/ plum/ blackcurrant aromas - touch of mint/ eucalypt. Sweet plush fruit flavours, sweet fruit/ plum/ apricot/ dark fruits. Chocolaty ripe tannins, a touch of leaf/ mint. Finishes firm and long. Oak at the finish. Quite clunky. 90 points. Now-2025.
2006 Majella The Malleea Cabernet Shiraz
Deep colour. Fresh cassis/ mint/ eucalypt aromas - hint of dark chocolate. Nice energy. Ginger/ plum/ blackberry flavours, chalky dry tannins. Finishes chalky dry. Leafy notes. Well-concentrated dense/ some paneforte notes. Finishes firm. 90 points. 2016-2028.
2008 Majella The Malleea Cabernet Shiraz
Deep colour. Fresh black cherry/ cassis/ chinotto/ ginger/malty/ aromas. Fresh buoyant wine with minty cassis flavours/ leafy/ chalky tannins. Acidity pokes out. Still elemental. Has terrific substance and density. Finishes chalky firm. 93 points. 2018-2030.
Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classifcation: Excellent
Caillard’s comments: One of Coonawarra’s top wines just sitting behind John Riddoch and The Tally for First Class Honours.
2004 Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense fresh blackcurrant/ cedar wood/ praline aromas. Well-concentrated dark chocolate/ liquorice, forest floor/ leafy flavours, fine grainy loose knit tannins. Finishes with a graphite plume and plenty of flavour length. 95 points. Now-2018.
2005 Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Dark cherry/ black liquorice/ malt aromas with touch of sandal wood/ cedar. Lovely fruit complexity. Dark cherry/ cedar flavours, fine leafy/ chalky/ - towards al-dente. Finishes firm and a touch sappy but good volume and buoyancy. 89 points. Now-2018.
2006 Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense woody/ dark fruits/ minty aromas. Dense black currant/ bitter chocolate/ espresso flavours, sinewy dry tannins, underlying savoury oak firm leafy finish. Powerful and muscular. 86 points. Now-2020.
2008 Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Elderberry/ praline/ mocha/ espresso aromas with touch of sage/ new oak. Sweet elderberry/ blackcurrant sage flavours, loose knit chocolaty tannins. Cedary/ aniseed finish. Still elemental and firm. 93 points. 2016-2028.
Patrick
Caillard’s comments: A solid Coonawarra producer with plenty of potential. Definitely on the ascendancy!
2006 Patrick Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh cassis/ herb garden/ vanilla notes. Well concentrated black fruits/chocolaty flavours, dense tannins and underlying vanilla/cedar notes/ Finishes slinky and long. 91 points. Now-2020.
2008 Patrick Home Block Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Mint/ peppermint/ blackcurrant aromas. Sweet blackcurrant/ plum/ cedar flavours with supple tannins. Finishes long and sweet. 91 points.
2014-2028.
2002 Patrick Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh mocha/ truffle/ cassis/ roasted chestnut aromas. Very complex. Sweet fruit mocha/ mocha/ praline flavours, graphite loose knit tannins, generous fruit on the palate. Finishes chalky, long and sweet. Lovely wine. 94 points. Now-2020.
2010 Patrick Botrytis Riesling
Golden colour. Intense honey/ marzipan/ ginger crackle/ lemony aromas. Lovely honey/apricot/ lemon curd flavours, lovely viscosity and crisp clear acidity. Finishes tangy and long. Very impressive - has really terrific vinosity, percussion and freshness. 95 points. Now-2018.
Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz
Langton’s Classification: Distinguished
Caillard’s comments: An important and longstanding Coonawarra staple. A very strong 2008 vintage.
2004 Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz
Deep colour. Classic choco-berry aromas and flavours with hint of mint. Sweet choco-berry/ redcurrant/ touch mint/ white pepper and supple loose knit tannins. Minerally/ peppery finish. 92 points. Now-2020.
2008 Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz
Deep colour. Fresh redcurrant/ cassis/ leafy aromas with touch of earth. Sweet fruit/ redcurrant/ leafy flavours, touch of capsicum, supple touch chocolaty tannins, chinotto/ aniseed finish. Very compelling and attractive wine. 93 points. Now-2025.
2009 Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz
Deep colour. Redcurrant/ earthy/walnut/ touch reductive aromas. Earthy/ walnut/ redcurrant/ aniseed/ leafy flavours. Al-dente texture. Finishes firm and chalky. 86 points. Now-2020.
Penley Estate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Caillard’s comments: The wines have steadily improved over the years. It is easy to see why this marque is gaining support in the secondary market.
2005 Penley Estate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Deep colour. Cassis/ herb garden aromas with some aniseed notes. Smooth cassis/ melted chocolate flavours, fine sweet tannins and vanilla/ mocha oak. Finishes chalky dry and long. 91 points. Now-2018+.
2006 Penley Estate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Deep colour. Intense cassis/ brambly/ liquorice aromas. Sweet concentrated cassis/ black fruit flavours, fine supple sweet tannins, cedar oak notes. Finishes firm. 93 points. Now-2020.
2008 Penley Estate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Deep colour. Lovely fragrant wine with blackcurrant/ aniseed/ plum aromas with some liquorice notes. Velvety blackcurrant/ plum flavours, smooth chocolaty tannins and vanilla/ touch ginger oak. Finishes firm and chalky but long and sweet. A lovely wine. 94 points. 2014-2022.
1999 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot
Deep colour. Quite evolved - marmite/ bay leaf, mushroom, forest floor aromas. Sweet fruit/ marmite/ mushroom flavours, dry lacy tannins. Some cedar notes. Leafy finish. If only under screw cap! < 85 points. Now-2016.
Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot
Langton’s Classification: Excellent
Caillard’s comments: A very polished and impressive style; a brilliant foil to the John Riddoch and Tally styles. Definitely one of Coonawarra’s super seconds.
2004 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot
Medium deep colour. Intense red fruit aromas with some meaty/ vanilla notes. Plenty of fruit complexity. Fresh smooth cassis/ graphite flavours, chalky loose knit tannins and underlying cedar oak. Finishes long and minerally. Lovely weight and complexity. 94 points. Now-2018+.
2007 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot
Deep colour. Intense blackcurrant/ graphite/ liquorice/ malt aromas. Vanilla leafy notes. Well concentrated slightly briny/ cassis/ savoury oak flavours, lacy al-dente tannins and mineral but noticeable acidity. 86 points. Now-2020.
2008 Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot
Deep colour. Fresh cassis/ boysenberry/ leafy/ sage aromas with touch of vanilla. Stunning wine with lovely weight and texture. Cassis/ boysenberry/ chinotto flavours, smooth-richness on the mid palate, loose knit lacy tannins. Touch ginger/ spice oak. Finishes lacy firm and minerally but long and sweet. Chalky plume. 95 points. 2015-2025.
Punters Corner Sovereign Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Caillard’s comments: An emerging performer with some lovely vintages.
2004 Punters Corner Sovereign Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Fresh walnut/ paneforte/ forest floor aromas - very tertiary with some cassis notes. Drinking very well with soft fleshy cassis/ paneforte flavours, vanilla notes and slinky supple loose knit tannins. 92 points. Now-2018.
2005 Punters Corner Sovereign Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Blackcurrant/ dark chocolate/ herb aromas. Sweet blackcurrant dark chocolate flavours. Ripe tannins which build up sinewy/ firm at the finish. Some leafy/ graphite notes. 91 points. Now-2025.
2006 Punters Corner Sovereign Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Minty/ peppermint/ cassis/ cedar aromas. Peppermint/ red fruit flavours, firm tannins. Brambly finish. < 85 points. Now -2018.
2008 Punters Corner Sovereign Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Ripe dark cherry/ blackcurrant/ fresh tobacco leaf aromas. Supple cassis/ tobacco leaf/ herb flavours, fine-grained cedar tannin and some espresso notes Finishes firm and tight. 93 points. 2014-2025.
Raidis Estate
Caillard’s comments: Charming small emerging producer with almost no presence on the secondary wine market
2008 Raidis Estate Billy Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium deep colour. Bright red cherry/ blueberry/ touch of leafy. Sweet fruit flavours, bright, cherry/ blueberry flavours, fines supple tannins, underlying savoury, but really vinosity. Well made but needs more stuffing. 88 points. Now-2016.
Redman “The Redman” Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
Caillard’s comments: Redman is entering a new phase of its long and proud history. These are generally older wines than I had expected to taste, but I feel that this label to watch.
2002 Redman “The Redman” Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
Deep colour. Dark chocolate/ plum/ sage aromas. Sweet fruited wine with plush dark chocolate/ plum fruit/ supple tannins, cedary notes. Builds up brambly firm at the finish. 90 points. Now-2018.
2003 Redman “The Redman” Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
Deep colour. Expressive liquorice/ leafy/ cassis/ capsicum. Soft velvety wine with core of cassis/ herb flavours, some espresso notes, fine slinky dry tannins. Finishes long and sweet. 91 points. Now-2020.
2004 Redman “The Redman” Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
Deep colour. Very complex graphite/ walnut/ motor oil/ peppermint aromas. Very complex wet bitumen/ graphite/ dark fruit/ liquorice aromas and flavours, sinewy texture - almost metallic. Firm dry finish. < 85 points. Now-2018.
2005 Redman “The Redman” Cabernet Shiraz Merlot
Deep colour. Redcurrant/ red plum aromas with sage/ leafy notes. Well-concentrated wine with redcurrant/ plum flavours and dense chalky tannins. Finishes firm but long. Tannin plume. 92 points. Now-2020.
Rymill
Caillard’s comments: Rymill is making very interesting wine. With a highly motivated French winemaker and great vineyard resources, this label should continue to improve in stature.
2005 Rymill Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Complex earthy/ liquorice/ leafy/ truffle/ black fruit aromas. Sweet fruit/ earthy/ truffle flavours, fine chalky dry tannins. Finishes minerally and long. 91 points. Now-2018.
2006 Rymill Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense cassis/ pea/ leafy aromas and flavours with fine chalky/slinky tannins. Finishes firm and sinewy. 86 points. Now-2020.
2008 Rymill Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Redcurrant/ cassis/ chalky/ herb garden aromas. Plum redcurrant flavours, slinky/ chalky tannins. Firm muscular finish. Surprising for vintage. 88 points. Now-2020.
2009 Rymill Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fragrant dark berry/ liquorice aromas; hint of cedar. Sweet dark berry/ blueberry fruit, fine grained classically proportioned tannins, and cedar oak notes. Finishes firm and tight. 91 points. 2013-2022.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classifcation: Excellent
Caillard’s comments: Wynns Coonawarra Estate “Black Label” Cabernet Sauvignon possesses the quality of a super second Coonawarra, without the price tag. It is arguably the best value fine wine on the Australian wine market. With its strong scent of place, beautiful aromas, delicious fruit complexity and classical structure, it exemplifies the very best of Australian wine making philosophy, technical expertise and regional definition.
2006 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh plum/ blueberry/ cassis/ cedar/ sandal wood aromas. Sweet fruit/ blueberry/ cassis flavours, firm touch cedary tannins. Finishes al-dente/ graphite firm but nice weight and mineral textures. Tannin plume. Delicious wine. 93 points. Now-2025.
2007 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh star anise/ black cherry/ dark chocolate/ liquorice aromas. Much less evolved than Bowen Estate. Buoyant fresh black cherry/ plum/ paneforte flavours, chocolaty firm tannins, underlying savoury notes. Finishes bitter/ al-dente. Very fresh and supple. 91 points. Now-2020+.
2008 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Classic pure blackcurrant aromas with malt/ cedar/ ginger oak. Rich voluminous wine with deep-set cassis fruit, chocolaty dense tannins and plentiful new oak. Still elemental, and tannic, but not a monster. This epitomises Coonawarra. Touch leafy and tannin plume at the finish. 94 points. 2015-2028.
2009 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Elderberry/ cassis/ dark chocolate aromas with touch of mint/ leafy nuances. Quite solid with compact elderberry/ black fruits/ hint of peppermint, plenty of stuffing on the mid palate, sinewy but plentiful tannins. Finishes firm al-dente. Tannins again flow like a plume. 91 points. 2015-2024.
2008 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Davis Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Bitter chocolate/ musky/ blackberry aromas - hint of ginger/ vermouth. Lovely smooth cassis/ chocolate flavours, ripe plentiful tannins, touch of cedar, plush fruit, chocolaty, underlying cedar, but tremendous buoyancy of fruit. Very concentrated, dense plush, evenly distributed wine. Lovely. Plenty of fat/ viscosity. 94 points. 2014-2024.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon
Langton’s Classification: Outstanding
Caillard’s comments: A triumph for winemaker Sue Hodder and viticulturalist Allen Jenkins. The wines are substantial yet beautifully balanced with superb fruit complexity and richness. Along with the Tally, this is Coonawarra’s preeminent First Growth.
2005 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Deep cassis/ liquorice/ sandalwood. Roasted chestnut aromas. Rich chocolaty wine with dense blackcurrant/ paneforte/ roasted chestnut flavours, rich chocolaty tannins and underlying cedar oak. A brilliant follow up to 2004. 94 points. 2018-2035.
2006 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Profoundly deep paneforte/ malty/ chestnut/ blackcurrant essence aromas. Rich and cedary. More structured than 2005. It has a brambly edge. Some blackcurrant/ dark chocolate notes. Finishes bittersweet, violet notes at the finish. 91 points. 2018-2030.
2008 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Fresh fragrant liquorice/ elderberry/ violet/ aniseed aromas - touch of vanilla. Gorgeous wine. Dense elderberry/dark plum, juicy fruit flavours, supple sweet tannins, layers of dense fruit, touch of paneforte/ praline. Finishes long and sweet. Immensely concentrated but minerally. Percussion and vinosity. 98 points. 2020-2040.
2009 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Elemental elderberry/ paneforte/ liquorice/ brambly aromas. Sweet elderberry/ ginger, lacy but stern tannins, finishes brambly and long. Good richness and buoyancy. Al dente tannins, very rich tannin finish. 93 points. 2016-2035.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz
Langton’s Classification; Distinguished
Caillard’s comments: This style has improved greatly over the last decade. The wine is not as impressive as its stable mate, but it is arguably the finest of all contemporary Coonawarra Shirazes.
2004 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz
Deep colour. Intense red berry/ boysenberry/ vanilla/ touch roasted/ earthy/ mushroom aromas. Well-concentrated redcurrant/ liquorice/ mint/ chocolate flavours, fine grained cedary tannins, underlying savoury oak. Finishes firm and grainy; quite like cabernet! 90 points. Now-2025.
2005 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz
Deep colour. Intense lead pencil/ graphite/ pastille/ mint/ mocha aromas. Sweet buoyant wine with plush blackberry pastille, praline, mint, leafy flavours, some crème de cassis notes, brambly tannins and spicy oak. Finishes long and sweet. 89 points. Now-2020.
2008 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz
Deep colour. Very complex and fresh blackberry/fresh fig/ graphite/ flinty aromas with plenty of new savoury/ vanilla oak. The palate is fresh and concentrated with lovely juicy blackberry/ liquorice/ chinotto flavours, supple sweet tannins and vanilla/ spicy new oak. Finishes bitter sweet but deliciously long. A very successful wine. 93 points. 2015-2030.
2009 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz
Deep colour. Very fresh elemental wine with lifted blackberry/ rhubarb/ sage aromas and underlying cedar notes. Deeply concentrated wine with concentrated blackberry/ praline/ brambly/ cola flavours, supple chocolaty tannins and ginger/ mocha oak. Finishes gravelly and long. 92 points. 2016-2026.
2009 Wynns Coonawarra Estate V&A Lane Shiraz
Deep colour. Fresh intense white pepper/ black cherry/ blueberry aromas underlying savoury oak. Sweet concentrated black cherry/ blackberry favours, some ginger/ vanilla notes, dense chocolaty tannins, finishes firm/cedary. Plenty of substance but touch chunky. 91 points. 2014-2022.
2009 Wynns Coonawarra Estate V&A Lane Cabernet Shiraz
Deep colour. Lovely fragrant cassis/ dried pot pourri/ herb garden aromas/ dried roses. Deeply set concentrated / chocolaty/ dried roses/ cassis/ paneforte fruit, very compact, chalky dense tannins. Finishes firm but has good minerally persistence. 92 points. 2014-2022.
Yalumba The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon
Caillard’s comments: Yalumba’s investment in Coonawarra is starting to pay dividends.
2005 Yalumba The Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense lifted black fruits/ graphite/ leafy aromas with some cedar notes. Well concentrated smooth cedar/ blackberry fruit/ dry chalky tannins, liquorice notes. Graphite dry finish. Acidity pokes out. 86 points. Now-2018.
2006 Yalumba The Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Profoundly deep blackcurrant/ black olive/ liquorice allsorts/ graphite aromas/ Sweet deep-set wine with blackcurrant/ black olive/ bitumen flavours, fine dense supple tannins and cedar oak. Finishes cedary firm. Very complex wine. 92 points. Now-2024.
2007 Yalumba The Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Blackcurrant/ liquorice aromas/ chocolate/ wood varnish/ motor oil! Dense compact palate with all of the above fruit/ characters, fine sinewy plentiful tannins. Firm tight bitter leafy sweet finish. 87 points. Now-2020.
2008 Yalumba The Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Ripe cassis/ plum/ red fruit aromas with vanilla notes. Sweet fruit, red currant pastille/ plummy fruit, chalky dense tannins, and some cedar notes. Finishes firm, leafy. Very good. 93 points. Now-2024.
Zema Estate Family Selection Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Caillard’s comments: This wines deserves wider recognition as one of Coonawarra’s top wines. The consistency, generosity and lasting quality are all evident.
2004 Zema Estate Family Selection Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Briny/ mint/ cassis/ mocha aromas. Smooth cassis/ mint flavours, lacy chalky tannins. Finishes minerally and long. Lovely wine. 93 points. Now-2024.
2005 Zema Estate Family Selection Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense peppermint/ blackcurrant/ dark cherry aromas - touch of vanilla. Sweet blackcurrant/ dark cherry flavours, fine chalky dry tannins, savoury oak. Firm tannic finish. Plenty of extract and substance. 92 points.
Now-2020.
2006 Zema Estate Family Selection Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Dark plum/ blackcurrant/ chocolate/ Liquorice aromas. Sweet chocolaty/ liquorice/ plum flavours, sweet ripe tannins, plenty of mid palate richness/ smoothness. Builds up chalky firm at the finish. 94 points. Now-2025.
2008 Zema Estate Family Selection Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep colour. Intense liquorice/ aniseed/ hazelnut/ cassis aromas. Lovely fruit complexity. Walnut/ cassis flavours, ripe plentiful tannins, some cedar notes, minerally long finish. Power and elegance. 93 points. Now-2025.
Andrew Caillard MW
Langton's
|
|
|
 |
Caillard Archive
The Story of Penfolds Grange
2012 En Primeur: Right Bank Tasting Notes
2012 En Primeur: Left Bank Tasting Notes
Exaggerated Classicism: 2012 Bordeaux Primeurs
Henschke Hill of Grace 50th Anniversary Tasting
Hill of Grace - 50th Anniversary
Henschke Hill of Grace 50th Anniversary
Classification V - Introduction
To lose one’s wine once is unfortunate..
Jasper Hill a Retrospective Tasting
TEN THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT PENFOLDS...
Where have all the great Hunter reds gone?
Chief Winemaker Peter Gago talks about Australian Wine & Penfolds
Bordeaux 2011 Left Bank- Tasting Notes
Bordeaux 2011 - Right Bank & Sauternes Tasting Notes
In the Tiger's Den - Bordeaux 2011
Semillon - Lovedale and Haut Brion Blanc
Provenance – The Phony War
2011 A review of Coonawarra
Penfolds 2006 Grange Release
A history and description of famous 20th Century Australian wines -1973 Wolf Blass Bilyara Black
Classification V - Questions & Answers
A history and description of famous 20th Century Australian wines - 1973 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvigno
Region Focus - Margaret River
A history and description of famous 20th Century Australian wines- Penfolds Grange 1971
Bordeaux 2009 Top Picks from the Great Solar Vintage
Overview of the Langtons Penfold's Sale
Languid Lunches and Goose-Fat
Bordeaux 2009 The Great Solar Vintage
Entering the Realm of First Growths
The Annual Croissant Fight
A history and description of famous 20th Century Australian wines
Region Focus - Eden Valley
A history and description of famous 20th Century Australian wines
Region Focus - Hunter Valley
GiantSteps - Winery Spotlight
McLaren Vale - Region Spotlight
Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz
2009 Penfolds Auction Overview
REGION FOCUS - YARRA VALLEY
Wine Australia - An Historical Tasting
Classic Wines of Australia Part One
Forecasting the wine auction market 2009 (through a cumulonimbus).
Classification Predictions
10 Things About Langton's
Penfolds Wine Making Philosophy
Dhillon and Walter the faces of biodynamic Pinot Noir
Master of Wine Charity Auction
Penfolds and the Australian Secondary Wine Market
|