Coonawarra 2026 musings
Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2026 1:17 pm
The annual epistle.
It appears that there is a bit of renewed interest on the forum and in the region. A challenging year for me health wise but chugging on, wines that put a smile on the face, and as said many times over a great place to visit. A collection of events, dinners, tastings, with potentially a bit more of an update in a couple of months.
Balnaves
No recent tastings
Banks Thargo
Finally picked up a mixed dozen of the 2021 Cabernet and the 2019 Paroo Bagman (Cabernet Merlot blend). Wines made by Emma Bowen and are great value for money, Cabernet is excellent, luscious rich mouth feel. The PB is seamless and drinking very nicely at 7 years. Very enjoyable wines, Jon and Heather Kidman great to deal with.
Bellwether
Sue Bell’s current plight has been well documented but appears that the business is back on track. 2019 Cabernet, disappointingly, I found a little thin, lacking depth. Perhaps a poor bottle but can’t really comment further.
Billy Brand
2022 Cabernet, very soft delicate palate, very approachable now, solid. 2019 Cabernet, wonderful mouth feel, great wine, plush, silky with a long finish, very good. 2016 Museum Cabernet, so primary at 10 years, dense with so much potential, long assertive tannin profile, needs time, not sure, but another decade easily. 2014 Museum cabernet, more approachable than the ’16, nicely integrated, tannins that went an age, think this is peaking, really enjoyable right now. 2020 Tannat, supposedly the only winery that grows this varietal, hard, angular with a metallic note, reflection of a poor vintage, a pass for me.
Bowen Estate
I can not speak highly enough of this winery and the duo of Doug and Emma Bowen, doing wonderful things in both the vineyard and the cellar. 2024 releases are probably best ever, with 2025 promising something similar. Mother nature and skilled winemaking is making it mighty hard to cease purchasing. 2024 Cabernet, the structure of this wine is phenomenal, opens with black, blue fruits that go an age, nothing overdone, but a sledgehammer in a velvet glove, with a supporting tannin structure that lets you know, that you must look at one of these in 2050. Stunning! 2024 Shiraz, blue fruits a bit of plum, cherry, so integrated and wonderful now, silky on the palate, oak in support with the finest tannins. Alcohol on these at 14.5-15%, the wines carry this with ease, serious good. Went long on both. Bit of a Shiraz theme here as Bowen have just celebrated 50 years, with 50 years of Cabernet up next year. 2014 Shiraz, wonderful fruit profile, still so primary, excellent wine, 2012 simply magnificent now, mouthfeel of a forest of fruits, so so balanced, scintillating vintage, just a baby, 1-2 decades here to come. 2014 Cabernet, lovely delicate wine, grace with poise, a twinge of sweetness, delicious. 2012 Cabernet, again just a pup, exclusively primary, inky black with a plush palate leading to powerful but restrained tannins, ripper of a wine! 2004 Shiraz, fabulous, in a great spot, moving into secondary phase, at 22 years you would guess much much less, no rush here. 2023 Shiraz, challenged in the vineyard, difficult vintage, lack depth and fruit sweetness, alcohol dialled back to 13.5%, a wine that is suffering a bit. 2022 Shiraz, excellent wine, lovely mouthfeel, waves of fruit, delicious. 2021 Shiraz, the structure of this wine at 5 years is an absolute standout, fruit, oak, tannins all in harmony, beautiful. 2020 Shiraz, as I have noted previously was one of the better wines from the district in this vintage. Feels as if its peaking, solid wine, nevertheless. 2019 Shiraz, lovely cool climate in the mouth, silky smooth with great palate weight, brilliant wine. 2018 Shiraz, right in the slot, fantastic, will go an age. 2017, the ugly duckling vintage, time however, has been kind here, in a good spot, drink now. 2016 Shiraz, wonderful wine, so smooth and seductive, brilliant now with that twinge of sweetness. 2015, complete contrast to the ’16, still so primary, like a 2-3 year old, long long palate with rich firm tannins, a delight. A couple of curios to finish, 1980 Cabernet, quite a bit of fruit left, lovely palate weight, graceful old red. 1975 VP, the one and only release, 100% Shiraz, lovely rancio characters, nice sweetness, with plenty of gritty tannins to strain through the teeth. Emma is doing seriously good things and hopefully these sorts of events continue. This winery is probably at the top of the totem now.
Brand and Sons
Had a good chat to Sam Brand, winery taking a bit of a different direction, with some early release style Cabernet’s, new labels, new packaging and so forth. 2024 Cabernet Merlot Franc, good but not great, nice field blend and in my humble opinion Cab Franc blends work so much better than stand alone Cab Franc. 2023 Old Town Shiraz, thin ordinary, pass. 2021 Silent Partner Cabernet, brilliant wine, rich and dense, will look out for some. 2023 Night Owls Shiraz Malbec, interesting wine, lacks the warmth of a Wendouree, very firm, almost harsh tannic structure, time could be kind. 2024 Blue Birds Cabernet/Cabernet Franc, early drinking style wine, not sure this saw much oak, a bit one dimensional, lunchtime pasta red. 2024 Rebellion Cabernet, too young but very easy drinking now. 2021 Sanctuary Cabernet, top marque at $100?? Magnificent wine, wave after wave of black blue fruits, will be glacial in its development, one to watch out for.
Brands Laira
This winery is on an upward trajectory, with favourable vintages translating into excellent wines. 2021 Blockers Shiraz, entry level wine, very good indeed, reminds me a Wynns white label. 2022 Blockers Cabernet Merlot (75/25), not sure if this a new wine, but excellent mouth feel, delicate, silky, very approachable. 2024 1968 vines, this was very good, reflection of the vintage, so integrated now, but cellar with confidence. 2022 August tide, field blend of Cabernet/Merlot/Petit Verdo (65/25/10), again well integrated and balanced, rich core of cabernet, softened and filled out with the other varieties, very solid wine. 2018 Stentifords Shiraz, these have been around for a few years now, ‘19s must be on the way, but a wine that is so primary and has barely shifted from last year, tannins, oak +++ very solid wine…should get some. 2018 171 Cabernet, the flagship of the range, I enjoyed this more than the Stentiford. Lovely plush rich palate, great length, twinge of sweetness, excellent wine.
Bundalong
Farming family with a property, who have diversified into wine, a familiar regional story. 2020 Cabernet finishes short and green…you know the story. 2020 Shiraz, the forgiving nature of this variety, not too bad at all, so much better than the Cab. 2014 Shiraz, right in the groove, drinking very well…think this was $30-40?
Digorgio
Making some excellent wines. 2022 Emporio Blend ??Cab/Franc/Merlot blend. This is a cracker, brilliant wine, lovely fragrant nose, plush and needs a decade, will be on the lookout, an absolute standout. 2022 Cabernet, wonderful wine, seamless palate, gentle drying tannins, lovely drinking. 2022 Shiraz, fruit richness in abundance here, plums, spice leading to a smooth finish. 2022 Cab Franc, one of the better ones, really smart wine, good value too. 2016 Emporio, this is in a great spot now, very well made. 2014 Fortified shiraz, lovely spirit, gutsy palate, great finish with nice warmth. NV Tawny nice sweetness and depth. Good range of wines.
Hollick
2024 Shiraz, young yes, but surprisingly soft, probably an early drinker, twinge of sweetness. 2022 Cabernet, florals, mixed spice, time required here, very oaky palate, but will develop well, I think. 2021 Ravenswood, think this was being flogged somewhere cheaply and picked up 6. This is a return to form, as this wine lost its way a bit, really dense, not at the level of a John Riddoch, but will be very good, excellent drinking now.
Katnook
2022 and 2024 will be excellent for this winery, exceptional wines made by Dan Nicoll. 2024 Estate Merlot, a bit meh…pass. 2024 Estate Shiraz, wonderful wine, great depth of palate, lovely drinking, so balanced but will cellar beautifully. 2024 Estate cabernet, equally impressive, probably prefer this over a BL, rich fruits with such delicate gentle tannins, fantastic. 2022 Prodigy, a big step up, fabulous fruit structure, not a hair out of place, when the price is right, get some. 2022 Odyssey, what a star, wonderful wine with rich fruits, cigar box, long long palate with the finest tannin structure, probably in the top 5. Continues to do great things.
Leconfield
A solid performance across the range, a few new labels (Manor House/Front Twenty/76/DGR), potentially too many wines. 2024 Cabernet Franc, pass. 2022 Cabernet, have picked up several cases of this, think this has been the best release under this label, Paul Gordon certainly agrees. Wonderful now, but will continue to evolve, really like this wine. 2022 Reserve Cabernets, Cab/Cab Franc blend. Shows what can be achieved when this is done well, as has been the case here...fabulous wine, rich, plush and moreish, brilliant. 2018 Sydney Reserve (top marque), this is a return to form, 2015/16 of this is excellent, the 2017 was a shocker, should never have been made. Very good mouth feel, full bodied, excellent, just wish it wasn’t so exxy.
Lindemans
2024 Trio range is simply outstanding. St George which has always been a favourite and doesn’t disappoint, is quintessential Coonawarra. Lovey cassis, cigar box, olive, dense and rich with that essential fruit sweetness…brilliant. LR very balanced, softness of the cabernet upfront, then the warmth and depth of the Shiraz, done so well here. Pyrus, continues the form, triple blend, graceful but persistent, lovely palate, soft and plush, very smooth finish. 3 excellent wines, not sure if Liz Marwood made these, but when available for the price, will pick some up.
Majella
Bruce Gregory and Michael Marcus continue to do great things here. 2022 cabernet picked up best cab trophy at last years LCWS, not hard to see why, brilliant wine, picked up a dozen recently. 2021 Shiraz, feel this wine should get more attention, really approachable now. 2021 Mallea, stunning, depth richness, full bodied, smoky, meaty, savoury, will go an age, picked up 6 in the recent winery offer. 2017 GPL cabernet, flagship, most of this in years gone by went into John Riddoch. Reflection of the vintage, as this rolls over the palate it feels quire one dimensional, a soft palate, but not much depth. Time may be kind, but this is nothing like the ’16.
Parker Estate
The Parker team are putting out very consistent wines, a number having flicked over to 2023/24 vintages. 2022 Scarlett Block, entry level under the Terra Rossa range. Great mouth feel for this wine, very approachable, lovely house style. Picked up a case. 2025 Cab Franc, very perfumed floral nose, lovely balanced wine, one of the better examples of this variety. 2024 TR Shiraz, lovely fruit ripeness, lingering tannin, nice depth of palate, reflection of the vintage. 2023 Kidman Block Shiraz, a fraction bitter, fruit drops off, tannins a little harsh, have been better ones than this. 2023 95 Block Cab/Petit Verdo, this is a better wine than the Kidman, but does fall away a bit on the palate, solid without being spectacular. 2022 First Growth, beautiful fruit profile. Wave after wave of black fruits, full bodied leading to a long finish of lovely tannins. Great example, a sixer in the hole. 2016 FG, in a fabulous spot at 10 years, wonderful wine. 2009 FG, lovely old red, still quite primary, another 5-10 easily.
Patrick
I should think about buying a few of these wines. 2015 Reserve cabernet, this is special, bright and glossy, looks like a 2-3 year old. Excellent mouthfeel, flavour and depth, lovely. 2021 Home block cabernet, really solid, a lot like a Wynns BL, lovely mouthfeel, very good. 2021 Two Blocks Cabernet, this was also a very strong wine, great example of the vintage.
Raidis
2024 Billy cabernet, solid entry level wine. 2018 The Trip. I have had this and the 2016 a few times now, and these are cabernet on steroids, so rich and dense, almost in the tannic monster space, but am confident that they will develop into cracking wines…$80-100.
Redman
2023 Cabernet, lacks depth, richness and fruit ripeness. 2023 Shiraz, thin and ordinary. 2018 Cabernet, really enjoyed this, in a great spot...yummo. 2015 Shiraz, this was lovely drinking, bright, dark fruits, oak fully integrated, firm finish, excellent. 2022 Redman, Cab/Shiraz blend, my kind of wine, picked up a few.
Riddoch
Made a pointed effort at the Roadshow to look at as many of these as possible. 2023 Vocation Series The Pastoralist cabernet, ordinary basic wine…pass. 2025 Cabernet, early drinking made for Dan Murphy, surprisingly balanced, serviceable. 2025 Shiraz, better than the cab, has quite a robust mouthfeel, good quaffer. 2022 The Federator, top marque and a brilliant wine, $100?? This is first class cabernet, seamless fruit and French oak, rich without being overbearing, one to watch out for, really enjoyable. 2022 The Author Cabernet, a step down from the Federator, but solid, plush palate, pretty good. 2022 The Author Shiraz, the better of the two, lovely cool climate Shiraz, really approachable, but will go an age.
Rymill
Another winery that is not really in my wheelhouse, too many labels at the bottom end, a couple of good ones at the top. 2024 MC2, aggressive sappy oak, lacks fruit, ordinary. 2022 Cabernet Franc, Ok wine, lacks a bit of oomph, this variety is really hit and miss in Coonawarra, there are one or two that are well made, but the rest are either thin, and or overpriced. Best use of Cab Franc is in a blend. 2024 Cabernet, again disappointing, raw sappy oak, where is the fruit, considering the excellent vintage? 2025 Pinot Meunier, simply awful wine, or is it me. Just dies on the palate, a bit green/acidic, not sure what they are trying to do here, perhaps best in a sparkling. 2022 Classic Shiraz, this is a little better, mixed spice, plums, medium weight, but finishes a bit short. 2022 Classic Cabernet, finally, plush black blue fruits, generous mouth feel and a long finish with drying tannins, very good. 2021 Surveyor, best of the range, at $80. Medium palate weight, nicely integrated, fine finish, excellent wine.
Whistle Post
Brian Smibert and team doing good things here, particularly with straight Cabernets. 2019 Field Blend (Cab/Cab Franc/Merlot/Shiraz 35/30/25/10) is really interesting and at 7 years right in the slot, great wine with pasta. 2021 Cabernet, for an entry level wine, really good drinking, great reflection of the vintage. Have tried this many times now, beautiful wine with excellent mouthfeel long long finish, not a hair out of place, 20+ year proposition. 2019 Cab Franc, good solid wine. 2021 2018 Reserve Cabernet, absolutely wonderful wine, brooding with cassis, cigar box, in a great spot now, bright future ahead. 2013 Reserve Cabernet, this was one of the best Cabernets that I have had in a while, wonderful expression of blue fruits, olive, so balanced and likely to go much longer, picked up a few.
Wynns
2024 BL Cabernet, simply a wow of a wine, pure, beautiful structure, dark fruits, a whiff of oak, balanced seamless and will go an age, right up there with the best of this label. 2024 BL Shiraz, reminds a little of the ’19 silky cool climate in the mouth, fruit from Undoolya and Johnson’s block. 2024 BL Cab Shiraz, fragrant Cabernet notes finishing with a wash of Shiraz fruit leading to a long tannin finish, good blend this, 2025 will be made. 2024 V&A Cabernet Shiraz, one of the first picks, early ripening, co fermented, a bit of whole bunch, probably actually prefer this to the BL equivalent, structured so fine, lots of finesse here from Sarah Pigeon. 2024 V&A Shiraz, in a good spot now, low alcohol, whole bunch pressed, really gentle extraction, not a hair out of place, very refined, dry chalky tannins, both these wines excellent, again a reflection of the vintage. 2016 V&A Shiraz, notes of mocca, chocolate, mixed spice, just entering its drinking window, very good. 2015 V&A Shiraz, similarly to the ’16, in a sweet spot, elegant, seamless, excellent wine. 2025 Cab Franc, straight from a 3000 litre vat, this I think is better than the ’24 release, peppery textural, almost a little stalky, quite liked it, but Wynns need to do a Cab Franc blend. 2024 Cab Franc, filled out a bit, raspberries, black pepper, slightly more convinced. 2021 Messenger single vineyard, best wine of the tasting, magnificent dense structure, lashings of fruit, oak in a supporting role, leading to a 60 second finish. Have quite a few of these, now to 20+ years. 2023 O’Dea’s Cabernet, not convinced about this, crunchy, peppery, quite assertive tannic grip with a bit of acid, time may be kind, but perhaps better not made. 2019 JR, again lovely balance, very long finish, drying tannins, excellent. 2022 JR, deep brooding monster, sat on a glass for 15 minutes, olive, spice, blueberry, really rich. So approachable now and a credit to the team. Lovely PX to finish, always enjoy this sweetie. Thanks to David for great CD experience.
Yalumba
Heather Fraser continues great work and a deft hand with the wine making, ably supported by James Freckleton in the vineyard. Pleased that there will be no 2023 Menzies released, and others should take note. Menzies is fast becoming my favourite Coonawarra cabernet. 2016 Menzies, just a pup, can’t wait to see where this ends up, rich and unctuous profile, Heather puts 15+++ years on the back label, but happily concedes it will go a lot longer. 2021 Menzies, superstar wine, the mouthfeel is amazing leaving you thinking can’t get any better, but the 2022 is very close behind. The texture and finesse of these wines are remarkable, have got a few of each. 2023 vintage sees all the fruit go into the Cigar and Sanctum (coming off its 2021 high). Cigar finishes short. Sanctum shows a little more, good for the year I suppose but drink now.
Zema
I have brought a few bits and pieces now, solidly made wines and good value for money. 2021 Cluny (Cab/Merlot blend) is drinking very nicely. 2021 Estate Shiraz, great expression, of the variety. 2021 Estate Cabernet, fabulous for the money, picked up a few, very well made. 2021 Family Selection Shiraz, a nice step up from the estate, good depth of palate, long finish. 2021 FS Cabernet, this is fabulous, pristine purity of fruit, wonderful wine, twinge of sweetness. 2016 Saluti (top marque) Cab Shiraz, absolutely singing now, have probably had this wine a dozen times, continues to evolve, really good.
Cheers Craig
It appears that there is a bit of renewed interest on the forum and in the region. A challenging year for me health wise but chugging on, wines that put a smile on the face, and as said many times over a great place to visit. A collection of events, dinners, tastings, with potentially a bit more of an update in a couple of months.
Balnaves
No recent tastings
Banks Thargo
Finally picked up a mixed dozen of the 2021 Cabernet and the 2019 Paroo Bagman (Cabernet Merlot blend). Wines made by Emma Bowen and are great value for money, Cabernet is excellent, luscious rich mouth feel. The PB is seamless and drinking very nicely at 7 years. Very enjoyable wines, Jon and Heather Kidman great to deal with.
Bellwether
Sue Bell’s current plight has been well documented but appears that the business is back on track. 2019 Cabernet, disappointingly, I found a little thin, lacking depth. Perhaps a poor bottle but can’t really comment further.
Billy Brand
2022 Cabernet, very soft delicate palate, very approachable now, solid. 2019 Cabernet, wonderful mouth feel, great wine, plush, silky with a long finish, very good. 2016 Museum Cabernet, so primary at 10 years, dense with so much potential, long assertive tannin profile, needs time, not sure, but another decade easily. 2014 Museum cabernet, more approachable than the ’16, nicely integrated, tannins that went an age, think this is peaking, really enjoyable right now. 2020 Tannat, supposedly the only winery that grows this varietal, hard, angular with a metallic note, reflection of a poor vintage, a pass for me.
Bowen Estate
I can not speak highly enough of this winery and the duo of Doug and Emma Bowen, doing wonderful things in both the vineyard and the cellar. 2024 releases are probably best ever, with 2025 promising something similar. Mother nature and skilled winemaking is making it mighty hard to cease purchasing. 2024 Cabernet, the structure of this wine is phenomenal, opens with black, blue fruits that go an age, nothing overdone, but a sledgehammer in a velvet glove, with a supporting tannin structure that lets you know, that you must look at one of these in 2050. Stunning! 2024 Shiraz, blue fruits a bit of plum, cherry, so integrated and wonderful now, silky on the palate, oak in support with the finest tannins. Alcohol on these at 14.5-15%, the wines carry this with ease, serious good. Went long on both. Bit of a Shiraz theme here as Bowen have just celebrated 50 years, with 50 years of Cabernet up next year. 2014 Shiraz, wonderful fruit profile, still so primary, excellent wine, 2012 simply magnificent now, mouthfeel of a forest of fruits, so so balanced, scintillating vintage, just a baby, 1-2 decades here to come. 2014 Cabernet, lovely delicate wine, grace with poise, a twinge of sweetness, delicious. 2012 Cabernet, again just a pup, exclusively primary, inky black with a plush palate leading to powerful but restrained tannins, ripper of a wine! 2004 Shiraz, fabulous, in a great spot, moving into secondary phase, at 22 years you would guess much much less, no rush here. 2023 Shiraz, challenged in the vineyard, difficult vintage, lack depth and fruit sweetness, alcohol dialled back to 13.5%, a wine that is suffering a bit. 2022 Shiraz, excellent wine, lovely mouthfeel, waves of fruit, delicious. 2021 Shiraz, the structure of this wine at 5 years is an absolute standout, fruit, oak, tannins all in harmony, beautiful. 2020 Shiraz, as I have noted previously was one of the better wines from the district in this vintage. Feels as if its peaking, solid wine, nevertheless. 2019 Shiraz, lovely cool climate in the mouth, silky smooth with great palate weight, brilliant wine. 2018 Shiraz, right in the slot, fantastic, will go an age. 2017, the ugly duckling vintage, time however, has been kind here, in a good spot, drink now. 2016 Shiraz, wonderful wine, so smooth and seductive, brilliant now with that twinge of sweetness. 2015, complete contrast to the ’16, still so primary, like a 2-3 year old, long long palate with rich firm tannins, a delight. A couple of curios to finish, 1980 Cabernet, quite a bit of fruit left, lovely palate weight, graceful old red. 1975 VP, the one and only release, 100% Shiraz, lovely rancio characters, nice sweetness, with plenty of gritty tannins to strain through the teeth. Emma is doing seriously good things and hopefully these sorts of events continue. This winery is probably at the top of the totem now.
Brand and Sons
Had a good chat to Sam Brand, winery taking a bit of a different direction, with some early release style Cabernet’s, new labels, new packaging and so forth. 2024 Cabernet Merlot Franc, good but not great, nice field blend and in my humble opinion Cab Franc blends work so much better than stand alone Cab Franc. 2023 Old Town Shiraz, thin ordinary, pass. 2021 Silent Partner Cabernet, brilliant wine, rich and dense, will look out for some. 2023 Night Owls Shiraz Malbec, interesting wine, lacks the warmth of a Wendouree, very firm, almost harsh tannic structure, time could be kind. 2024 Blue Birds Cabernet/Cabernet Franc, early drinking style wine, not sure this saw much oak, a bit one dimensional, lunchtime pasta red. 2024 Rebellion Cabernet, too young but very easy drinking now. 2021 Sanctuary Cabernet, top marque at $100?? Magnificent wine, wave after wave of black blue fruits, will be glacial in its development, one to watch out for.
Brands Laira
This winery is on an upward trajectory, with favourable vintages translating into excellent wines. 2021 Blockers Shiraz, entry level wine, very good indeed, reminds me a Wynns white label. 2022 Blockers Cabernet Merlot (75/25), not sure if this a new wine, but excellent mouth feel, delicate, silky, very approachable. 2024 1968 vines, this was very good, reflection of the vintage, so integrated now, but cellar with confidence. 2022 August tide, field blend of Cabernet/Merlot/Petit Verdo (65/25/10), again well integrated and balanced, rich core of cabernet, softened and filled out with the other varieties, very solid wine. 2018 Stentifords Shiraz, these have been around for a few years now, ‘19s must be on the way, but a wine that is so primary and has barely shifted from last year, tannins, oak +++ very solid wine…should get some. 2018 171 Cabernet, the flagship of the range, I enjoyed this more than the Stentiford. Lovely plush rich palate, great length, twinge of sweetness, excellent wine.
Bundalong
Farming family with a property, who have diversified into wine, a familiar regional story. 2020 Cabernet finishes short and green…you know the story. 2020 Shiraz, the forgiving nature of this variety, not too bad at all, so much better than the Cab. 2014 Shiraz, right in the groove, drinking very well…think this was $30-40?
Digorgio
Making some excellent wines. 2022 Emporio Blend ??Cab/Franc/Merlot blend. This is a cracker, brilliant wine, lovely fragrant nose, plush and needs a decade, will be on the lookout, an absolute standout. 2022 Cabernet, wonderful wine, seamless palate, gentle drying tannins, lovely drinking. 2022 Shiraz, fruit richness in abundance here, plums, spice leading to a smooth finish. 2022 Cab Franc, one of the better ones, really smart wine, good value too. 2016 Emporio, this is in a great spot now, very well made. 2014 Fortified shiraz, lovely spirit, gutsy palate, great finish with nice warmth. NV Tawny nice sweetness and depth. Good range of wines.
Hollick
2024 Shiraz, young yes, but surprisingly soft, probably an early drinker, twinge of sweetness. 2022 Cabernet, florals, mixed spice, time required here, very oaky palate, but will develop well, I think. 2021 Ravenswood, think this was being flogged somewhere cheaply and picked up 6. This is a return to form, as this wine lost its way a bit, really dense, not at the level of a John Riddoch, but will be very good, excellent drinking now.
Katnook
2022 and 2024 will be excellent for this winery, exceptional wines made by Dan Nicoll. 2024 Estate Merlot, a bit meh…pass. 2024 Estate Shiraz, wonderful wine, great depth of palate, lovely drinking, so balanced but will cellar beautifully. 2024 Estate cabernet, equally impressive, probably prefer this over a BL, rich fruits with such delicate gentle tannins, fantastic. 2022 Prodigy, a big step up, fabulous fruit structure, not a hair out of place, when the price is right, get some. 2022 Odyssey, what a star, wonderful wine with rich fruits, cigar box, long long palate with the finest tannin structure, probably in the top 5. Continues to do great things.
Leconfield
A solid performance across the range, a few new labels (Manor House/Front Twenty/76/DGR), potentially too many wines. 2024 Cabernet Franc, pass. 2022 Cabernet, have picked up several cases of this, think this has been the best release under this label, Paul Gordon certainly agrees. Wonderful now, but will continue to evolve, really like this wine. 2022 Reserve Cabernets, Cab/Cab Franc blend. Shows what can be achieved when this is done well, as has been the case here...fabulous wine, rich, plush and moreish, brilliant. 2018 Sydney Reserve (top marque), this is a return to form, 2015/16 of this is excellent, the 2017 was a shocker, should never have been made. Very good mouth feel, full bodied, excellent, just wish it wasn’t so exxy.
Lindemans
2024 Trio range is simply outstanding. St George which has always been a favourite and doesn’t disappoint, is quintessential Coonawarra. Lovey cassis, cigar box, olive, dense and rich with that essential fruit sweetness…brilliant. LR very balanced, softness of the cabernet upfront, then the warmth and depth of the Shiraz, done so well here. Pyrus, continues the form, triple blend, graceful but persistent, lovely palate, soft and plush, very smooth finish. 3 excellent wines, not sure if Liz Marwood made these, but when available for the price, will pick some up.
Majella
Bruce Gregory and Michael Marcus continue to do great things here. 2022 cabernet picked up best cab trophy at last years LCWS, not hard to see why, brilliant wine, picked up a dozen recently. 2021 Shiraz, feel this wine should get more attention, really approachable now. 2021 Mallea, stunning, depth richness, full bodied, smoky, meaty, savoury, will go an age, picked up 6 in the recent winery offer. 2017 GPL cabernet, flagship, most of this in years gone by went into John Riddoch. Reflection of the vintage, as this rolls over the palate it feels quire one dimensional, a soft palate, but not much depth. Time may be kind, but this is nothing like the ’16.
Parker Estate
The Parker team are putting out very consistent wines, a number having flicked over to 2023/24 vintages. 2022 Scarlett Block, entry level under the Terra Rossa range. Great mouth feel for this wine, very approachable, lovely house style. Picked up a case. 2025 Cab Franc, very perfumed floral nose, lovely balanced wine, one of the better examples of this variety. 2024 TR Shiraz, lovely fruit ripeness, lingering tannin, nice depth of palate, reflection of the vintage. 2023 Kidman Block Shiraz, a fraction bitter, fruit drops off, tannins a little harsh, have been better ones than this. 2023 95 Block Cab/Petit Verdo, this is a better wine than the Kidman, but does fall away a bit on the palate, solid without being spectacular. 2022 First Growth, beautiful fruit profile. Wave after wave of black fruits, full bodied leading to a long finish of lovely tannins. Great example, a sixer in the hole. 2016 FG, in a fabulous spot at 10 years, wonderful wine. 2009 FG, lovely old red, still quite primary, another 5-10 easily.
Patrick
I should think about buying a few of these wines. 2015 Reserve cabernet, this is special, bright and glossy, looks like a 2-3 year old. Excellent mouthfeel, flavour and depth, lovely. 2021 Home block cabernet, really solid, a lot like a Wynns BL, lovely mouthfeel, very good. 2021 Two Blocks Cabernet, this was also a very strong wine, great example of the vintage.
Raidis
2024 Billy cabernet, solid entry level wine. 2018 The Trip. I have had this and the 2016 a few times now, and these are cabernet on steroids, so rich and dense, almost in the tannic monster space, but am confident that they will develop into cracking wines…$80-100.
Redman
2023 Cabernet, lacks depth, richness and fruit ripeness. 2023 Shiraz, thin and ordinary. 2018 Cabernet, really enjoyed this, in a great spot...yummo. 2015 Shiraz, this was lovely drinking, bright, dark fruits, oak fully integrated, firm finish, excellent. 2022 Redman, Cab/Shiraz blend, my kind of wine, picked up a few.
Riddoch
Made a pointed effort at the Roadshow to look at as many of these as possible. 2023 Vocation Series The Pastoralist cabernet, ordinary basic wine…pass. 2025 Cabernet, early drinking made for Dan Murphy, surprisingly balanced, serviceable. 2025 Shiraz, better than the cab, has quite a robust mouthfeel, good quaffer. 2022 The Federator, top marque and a brilliant wine, $100?? This is first class cabernet, seamless fruit and French oak, rich without being overbearing, one to watch out for, really enjoyable. 2022 The Author Cabernet, a step down from the Federator, but solid, plush palate, pretty good. 2022 The Author Shiraz, the better of the two, lovely cool climate Shiraz, really approachable, but will go an age.
Rymill
Another winery that is not really in my wheelhouse, too many labels at the bottom end, a couple of good ones at the top. 2024 MC2, aggressive sappy oak, lacks fruit, ordinary. 2022 Cabernet Franc, Ok wine, lacks a bit of oomph, this variety is really hit and miss in Coonawarra, there are one or two that are well made, but the rest are either thin, and or overpriced. Best use of Cab Franc is in a blend. 2024 Cabernet, again disappointing, raw sappy oak, where is the fruit, considering the excellent vintage? 2025 Pinot Meunier, simply awful wine, or is it me. Just dies on the palate, a bit green/acidic, not sure what they are trying to do here, perhaps best in a sparkling. 2022 Classic Shiraz, this is a little better, mixed spice, plums, medium weight, but finishes a bit short. 2022 Classic Cabernet, finally, plush black blue fruits, generous mouth feel and a long finish with drying tannins, very good. 2021 Surveyor, best of the range, at $80. Medium palate weight, nicely integrated, fine finish, excellent wine.
Whistle Post
Brian Smibert and team doing good things here, particularly with straight Cabernets. 2019 Field Blend (Cab/Cab Franc/Merlot/Shiraz 35/30/25/10) is really interesting and at 7 years right in the slot, great wine with pasta. 2021 Cabernet, for an entry level wine, really good drinking, great reflection of the vintage. Have tried this many times now, beautiful wine with excellent mouthfeel long long finish, not a hair out of place, 20+ year proposition. 2019 Cab Franc, good solid wine. 2021 2018 Reserve Cabernet, absolutely wonderful wine, brooding with cassis, cigar box, in a great spot now, bright future ahead. 2013 Reserve Cabernet, this was one of the best Cabernets that I have had in a while, wonderful expression of blue fruits, olive, so balanced and likely to go much longer, picked up a few.
Wynns
2024 BL Cabernet, simply a wow of a wine, pure, beautiful structure, dark fruits, a whiff of oak, balanced seamless and will go an age, right up there with the best of this label. 2024 BL Shiraz, reminds a little of the ’19 silky cool climate in the mouth, fruit from Undoolya and Johnson’s block. 2024 BL Cab Shiraz, fragrant Cabernet notes finishing with a wash of Shiraz fruit leading to a long tannin finish, good blend this, 2025 will be made. 2024 V&A Cabernet Shiraz, one of the first picks, early ripening, co fermented, a bit of whole bunch, probably actually prefer this to the BL equivalent, structured so fine, lots of finesse here from Sarah Pigeon. 2024 V&A Shiraz, in a good spot now, low alcohol, whole bunch pressed, really gentle extraction, not a hair out of place, very refined, dry chalky tannins, both these wines excellent, again a reflection of the vintage. 2016 V&A Shiraz, notes of mocca, chocolate, mixed spice, just entering its drinking window, very good. 2015 V&A Shiraz, similarly to the ’16, in a sweet spot, elegant, seamless, excellent wine. 2025 Cab Franc, straight from a 3000 litre vat, this I think is better than the ’24 release, peppery textural, almost a little stalky, quite liked it, but Wynns need to do a Cab Franc blend. 2024 Cab Franc, filled out a bit, raspberries, black pepper, slightly more convinced. 2021 Messenger single vineyard, best wine of the tasting, magnificent dense structure, lashings of fruit, oak in a supporting role, leading to a 60 second finish. Have quite a few of these, now to 20+ years. 2023 O’Dea’s Cabernet, not convinced about this, crunchy, peppery, quite assertive tannic grip with a bit of acid, time may be kind, but perhaps better not made. 2019 JR, again lovely balance, very long finish, drying tannins, excellent. 2022 JR, deep brooding monster, sat on a glass for 15 minutes, olive, spice, blueberry, really rich. So approachable now and a credit to the team. Lovely PX to finish, always enjoy this sweetie. Thanks to David for great CD experience.
Yalumba
Heather Fraser continues great work and a deft hand with the wine making, ably supported by James Freckleton in the vineyard. Pleased that there will be no 2023 Menzies released, and others should take note. Menzies is fast becoming my favourite Coonawarra cabernet. 2016 Menzies, just a pup, can’t wait to see where this ends up, rich and unctuous profile, Heather puts 15+++ years on the back label, but happily concedes it will go a lot longer. 2021 Menzies, superstar wine, the mouthfeel is amazing leaving you thinking can’t get any better, but the 2022 is very close behind. The texture and finesse of these wines are remarkable, have got a few of each. 2023 vintage sees all the fruit go into the Cigar and Sanctum (coming off its 2021 high). Cigar finishes short. Sanctum shows a little more, good for the year I suppose but drink now.
Zema
I have brought a few bits and pieces now, solidly made wines and good value for money. 2021 Cluny (Cab/Merlot blend) is drinking very nicely. 2021 Estate Shiraz, great expression, of the variety. 2021 Estate Cabernet, fabulous for the money, picked up a few, very well made. 2021 Family Selection Shiraz, a nice step up from the estate, good depth of palate, long finish. 2021 FS Cabernet, this is fabulous, pristine purity of fruit, wonderful wine, twinge of sweetness. 2016 Saluti (top marque) Cab Shiraz, absolutely singing now, have probably had this wine a dozen times, continues to evolve, really good.
Cheers Craig
