16 months French oak hogsheads and barriques (31% new, the balance one to six years old) and 22 months in bottle prior to release. A cacophony of blackberries, Bing cherries and elderberries. Blackcurrant leaf, acaí and prune skin. Black coffee, vanilla pod, ash and charcoal. Acidity wisps about the palate like magic, a mesh of thread-like tannins pull and draw the focus. A hint of dark chocolate bitters; the wine finishes perky with echoing tunes of granite. It's just so centered and chic. Pure cabernet poise.

WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra 2021

Bright fruit characters are evident immediately from the first engagement. On the nose, savoury spicy plum and dried herb and sage combination burst open. And then a palate that is deeply intense and opulently smooth starts to reveal its best qualities. Has a chalky dusty thread with a little crushed rock influence. It’s quite dry on the finish after the richness of the middle palate.

D'ARENBERG WINES The Dead Arm Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2019