Coonawarra Meets Barossa Mixed Collection

Coonawarra Meets Barossa Mixed Collection. Experience the best of two iconic Australian wine regions in one exquisite collection. The rich, full-bodied reds of Barossa Valley meet the refined, terroir-driven elegance of Coonawarra, showcasing the unique characteristics that make these regions world-renowned. From bold Shiraz to structured Cabernet Sauvignon, this selection offers a harmonious journey through premium Australian winemaking. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking variety and excellence in every glass.

1 x Patrick of Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2015 ~ Coonawarra, South Australia

93/100 - The Real Review
91/100 - Qwine (2014 vintage)
95/100 - Wine Showcase Magazine (2013 vintage)
90/100 'Top Value' Huon Hooke (2013 vintage)
GOLD - Wine Showcase Magazine (2013 vintage)
BRONZE - Limestone Coast Wine Show (2013 vintage)
BRONZE - Melbourne International Wine Show (2013 vintage)
BRONZE - Cairns Wine Show (2013 vintage)
BRONZE - Great Australia Shiraz Challenge (2013 vintage)
BRONZE - Rutherglen Wine Show (2013 vintage)
4 STARS - Winestate Magazine (2013 vintage)
Recommended - the Real Review (2013 vintage)

The Real Review "Deep garnet-red colour with crimson edges. Classic, still fresh Coonawarra notes of tobacco leaf, roasted nuts (oak), soy and spiced blackcurrants. The soft whisper of bottle-age complexity. Fruit is pristine and showing secondary charms. Oak-derived vanilla and nuts just blurring it a little. Sensational value for a wine of this age and quality"

QWine "...this is a Shiraz with great depth and presence... sure to please. Terrific value it must be said. Released with six years of bottle age already under its belt, blue and dark fruits, earthy feels and dark chocolate make a statement early. Add cloves and well handled oak (a mix of American and French for 24 months) and it's a very tidy drink. Fine spices shimmer on a long and dense finish. Steak night please". (2014 Vintage)

Huon Hooke “It's full-bodied and drinking well now. A serious glass of red......Deep red colour with a tint of purple, and a shy, reserved bouquet, which suggests fumey red fruits, older wood and some forward-development. The palate is drying, savoury and well-coated with supple tannin, the structure is in balance with the flavour and indicates it still has a cellaring future.” (2014 Vintage)

The Winemaker "The palate is soft & youthful with great length. This wine has great longevity & will reward cellaring for 5-10 years. This wine was matured in a combination of new American & second use French oak, giving rise to the intense mocha & hints of licorice. This is complemented with the rich mulberry fruit & touch of fruitcake spice." (2014 Vintage)

Patrick's of Coonawarra was founded by Patrick Tocaciu; one of Australia's leading wine (and AFL football) figures. Patrick's reputation for producing exceptional wine earned him many international accolades for the major labels he worked as Chief Winemaker, including; Tollana, Penfolds, and Hollick Wines. Patrick's distinguished reputation continued with the establishment of his own Patrick of Coonawarra Estate label. The wines are built on the solid foundation of extensive estate vineyards: 36 hectares in Coonawarra and 42 hectares in Wrattonbully. The Wrattonbully plantings contain shiraz, sauvignon blanc, and some of the riesling. All of the cabernets are grown in Coonawarra. The Estate is now managed by his eonologist son, Luke who continues the tradition of producing wines of varietal and regional excellence.

Coonawarra is the most important wine region within South Australia, credited with producing some of the best red wines in the entire country, and often described as Australia's most famous terroir...

1 x Patrick of Coonawarra Two Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ~ Coonawarra, South Australia

90/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review
94/100 James Halliday Wine Companion
93/100 The Wine Front (2013 vintage)
Bronze - James Halliday Wine Companion (2013 vintage)
Bronze - Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2013 vintage)
96/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2012 vintage)
95/100 Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (2012 vintage)

Silver - The Melbourne International Beverage Competition
Silver - International Cool Climate Wine Show 2018 (2012 vintage)
Silver - Limestone Coast Wine Show 2017 (2012 vintage)
Silver - Australian Small Winemakers Wine Show 2017 (2012 vintage)
Silver - Wine Showcase New Release Tasting 2017 (2012 vintage)
Silver - The Melbourne International Beverage Competition (2012 vintage)
BEST IN CLASS - Winestate Magazine 'New Releases' July/ August 2017 (2012 vintage)

James Halliday Wine Companion "It has a pleasantly savoury makeup throughout the palate.."

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep, dark, brick-red to ruby colours, with a mocha, dark chocolate and earthy note, which almost suggests slight forward development, the palate confirming that it is a little lacking vitality. It has richness and concentration, but is not developing in a way that suggests further cellaring."

James Halliday Wine Companion "...juicy fruit trying to find a roadside signpost." (2013 vintage)

Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Hard edged with sweet-and-sour fruits, ageing characters and sweet oak notes dominate with a stewed fruit note on finish. " (2013 vintage)

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep red colour with faint brick-red and purple reflections, the bouquet confirming this is a wine with some development, showing lovely mellowing complexities with cedar-cigarbox and 'roasting pan' overtones starting up. The texture is sumptuously rich, fleshy and deep, but also elegant: a complete wine of great flavour and balance, depth and charm. It's a wine I'd like to curl up with over dinner." (2012 vintage)

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "Very good colour, a melange of dark fruit and spice, full-bodied, long with such precise tannins...the Wrattonbully fruit shines through and leads the charge." (2012 vintage)

The wine was aged for 28 months in new American & Second Use French, tightly grained, barrels.

Patrick's of Coonawarra was founded by Patrick Tocaciu; one of Australia's leading wine (and AFL football) figures. Patrick's reputation for producing exceptional wine earned him many international accolades for the major labels he worked as Chief Winemaker, including; Tollana, Penfolds, and Hollick Wines. Patrick's distinguished reputation continued with the establishment of his own Patrick of Coonawarra Estate label. The wines are built on the solid foundation of extensive estate vineyards: 36 hectares in Coonawarra and 42 hectares in Wrattonbully. The Wrattonbully plantings contain shiraz, sauvignon blanc, and some of the riesling. All of the cabernet is grown in Coonawarra. The Estate is now managed by his eonologist son, Luke who continues the tradition of producing wines of varietal and regional excellence.

Coonawarra is the most important wine region within South Australia, credited with producing some of the best red wines in the entire country, and often described as Australia's most famous terroir. .

Shiraz, also known as Syrah is a popular red wine. Though the spiritual homeland of this red grape is France, Syrah has been planted throughout the world to great success. It expresses itself differently depending on the climate, soil and regional style.

Syrah is typically bold and full-bodied, with aromatic notes of smoke, black fruit and pepper spice. Stylistically, it can be round and fruity, or dense and tannic. And in warmer New World regions like Australia, Syrah is most often be called Shiraz.

Winemakers who work in cooler-climate growing regions, both in the Old World and New World, tend to call their wines Syrah. The most famous examples come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, notably Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In the New World, in regions like Sonoma Coast, California; Yarra Valley, Australia; and parts of Chile, the wines are called Syrah because they emulate the leaner, acid-driven, savory styles of the Old World French classics.

Shiraz tends to come from warmer growing climates, namely the South Australian regions of Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Stylistically, these wines are lush, fruit-forward examples that embody the warmer, sunnier climate. Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley."

1 x Teusner 'The Riebke' Shiraz 2020 ~ Barossa Valley, South Australia

92/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Bronze - Gabrielly Poy, The Real Review
94/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2019 vintage)
90/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (2019 vintage)
90/100 Decanter (2019 vintage)
Bronze - James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (2019 vintage)
92/100 Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion (2018 vintage)
91/100 The Wine Front (2018 vintage)
90/100 CellarTracker (2018 vintage)

5 Stars - Halliday Wine Companion

Silver - International Wine Challenge (2019 vintage)

Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Shiraz sourced from the Riebke vineyards in the famous northern Barossa growing area of Ebenezer. The Riebke always represents solid value and this release is no different, with oodles of deep blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits laden with baking spices, black licorice, dark chocolate and earth. There is a fine, sandy tannin frame, super-ripe unctuous black fruits and plenty more to like."

Gabrielly Poy, The Real Review "Blackberry compote with some red berry highlights take the lead on the nose. On the palate a savoury twist tempers the fruit bringing balance to the plush fruit. The fruit holds freshness and the oak component has been well-judged. This is an approachable full-bodied red that offers a broad appeal."

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "Deep red/purple colour. Earthy, pepper and graphite aromas, hints of dried spices, the palate full-bodied and rich, well concentrated and powerful, with a core of deep, sweetly super-ripe black fruit flavour. The tannins quickly wash in and balance the opulence of the fruit. A big, generous, in-your-face shiraz with much to enjoy, now or for many years to come. Impressive stuff and great value." (2019 vintage)

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate "...possessed of beautiful pure fruit that is wrapped in a cloak of oak and tannin. It finishes quickly, but its good while it's there. The Riebke is a reliable midweek drink, the 2019 confirming this position." (2019 vintage)

Decanter "A fruity Barossa Valley Shiraz, with 3% Mataro and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The black fruit aromas have a herbal note and there's a savoury touch of black olive on the palate too. Lush black fruit and supple tannins, supported by well-judged oak – 12 months in new and used French barrels. Will certainly continue to evolve in bottle." (2019 vintage)

James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion "Wild blackberry and bramble move through a structure of savoury tannins and acidity. Interesting dynamics on display here." (2019 vintage)

Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion "It offers a mouthful of fruit-filled flavour and it does so in good, comfortable style. Licorice and blackberry flavours aplenty. Uncomplicated in a good way. Satisfying." (2018 vintage)

90% shiraz, 10% grenache

The Riebke family grows outstanding quality fruit on old, low-yielding Barossa Valley vines…something they’ve been doing for six generations. For their faith in what we do and their assistance in the birth and growth of Teusner Wines, we’ll be forever thankful.

The Winemaker "The Riebke tradition continues…rich, abundant flavour and serious drinkability whilst also being easy on the pocket. The wine is jam-packed with Barossa Shiraz This is a plush, vibrant wine of immense generosity and incredible value."

Teusnér's "The Riebke" Shiraz has been praised by both the wine press and wine drinkers in recent years for consistently over-delivering on quality at an unbeatable price. The wine's name is a tip of the hat to the Riebke family, who produce some of the best grapes in the Ebenezer district. Teusner takes a lot of fruit from the old Riebke vineyards in north Barossa around Ebenezer, Kalimna, and Moppa.

The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. The region lies in the (very flat) 'Valley' created by the North Para River, which connects the main towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, and Lyndoch.

Shiraz, also known as Syrah is a popular red wine. Though the spiritual homeland of this red grape is France, Syrah has been planted throughout the world to great success. It expresses itself differently depending on the climate, soil and regional style.

Syrah is typically bold and full-bodied, with aromatic notes of smoke, black fruit and pepper spice. Stylistically, it can be round and fruity, or dense and tannic. And in warmer New World regions like Australia, Syrah is most often be called Shiraz.

Winemakers who work in cooler-climate growing regions, both in the Old World and New World, tend to call their wines Syrah. The most famous examples come from the northern Rhône Valley of France, notably Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. In the New World, in regions like Sonoma Coast, California; Yarra Valley, Australia; and parts of Chile, the wines are called Syrah because they emulate the leaner, acid-driven, savory styles of the Old World French classics.

Shiraz tends to come from warmer growing climates, namely the South Australian regions of Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Stylistically, these wines are lush, fruit-forward examples that embody the warmer, sunnier climate. Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.

1 x Hewitson Ned & Henry’s Shiraz 2022 - Barossa Valley, South Australia

94/100 Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
94/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
93/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
93/100 Regan Drew, Wine Pilot

94/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (2021 vintage)
93/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (2021 vintage)
92/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
91/100 Wine Front (2021 vintage)
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson (2021 vintage)
94/100 Regan Drew, Wine Pilot (2020 vintage)
93/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)
92/100 Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion (2020 vintage)
16/20 Jancis Robinson (2020 vintage)
95/100 Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot (2019 vintage)
94/100 James Suckling (2018 vintage)

Bronze - Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Wine Front (2020 vintage)
Bronze - Stuart Knox, The Real Review (2019 vintage)
Bronze - Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2018 vintage)

5 Star Winery - James Halliday
James Suckling Top 100 Top Value Wine 2020
James Halliday Top 100 Winery 2017
10 Vineyards Behind The World's Most Famous Wines - Wine Enthusiasts
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2023
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2022
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2021
Gold - Paris Wine Cup 2020

Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot "This has intentionally been made to ensure it drinks well when young, as well as into the future. That it is brilliant value is simply a bonus. A combination of whole berries and those crushed, with several weeks on skins before sixteen months maturation in older French oak barriques. Inky black, the nose exhibits notes of dark chocolate, mocha, roast meats, black cherries and leather. A savoury style with fine balance, there is good intensity here which runs the full journey plus silky tannins and impressive length. The palate sees notes of warm earth and spicy sausages emerge with saturated flavours throughout. Like this a lot and can certainly be enjoyed now."

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "Hewitson aimed for a more traditional full bodied Barossa red with this excellent Shiraz. He’s done it to point, but there is polish and poise here that elevates it into a more individual style. Loads of dark plum fruit characters on the nose with a little coffee and spice, finished with a slightly dry flaky rust-like character. Like it."

Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "The classic Barossa fruit profile and lines are here but with a bit more space and mid-weighted verve. Which was exactly the challenge set by a friend of Dean Hewitson and he's nailed the brief. Black and blue fruits, abundant spice, just the right amount of crunch to the fruit, chewy tannin grip and an energetic vibe. It all makes for great drinking."

Regan Drew, Wine Pilot "From the Steingarten Road Vineyard with an average age of 30 years. Winemaking sees 16 months maturation in French oak barriques. Pulpy and bright Barossa nose with plenty of ripe plum, sweet oak spice, ‘fruits of the forest’ conserve and a little potpourri. Cheeky middleweight, offering all the fruit you want without being encumbered by anything extra. Oak and pepper spice with a spread of powdery tannins make this enjoyable drinking."

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "A generous and hugely flavoursome Barossa Shiraz delivered with a modern finesse and refinement that marks so many of these Barossa wines these days. There’s almost a carbonic maceration character evident on the nose and through into the palate. Bright and lively with a slight vineyard character of ironstone providing balance and offsetting the plush fruit. Love the palate with that slight ferruginous finish." (2021 vintage)

Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "A wonderfully fragrant and juicy shiraz from Dean Hewitson. Packed with super-ripe plum and dark cherry fruits with hints of exotic spice, violets, jasmine, licorice, dark chocolate and earth. There's a nice sense of fruit purity and detail on the palate, tannins all powdery and sexy, the cadence crisp and clear and a sense of harmony on a finish that shows some nice sustain for the price." (2021 vintage)

Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Medium to intense ruby red colour. Mulberry and violet aromatics. Ample weight with plush purple fruits, dried herbs and a floral note that brings further appeal. tannins remain in the background, but they have enough intensity to ensure the finish is still dry. Very appealing wine" (2021 vintage)

Regan Drew, Wine Pilot "Created from a challenge to winemaker Dean Hewitson to produce a wine that’s fit for a vintage luncheon now and in 10 years’ time. Calming, “Ahhhh Barossa” elements of Christmas cake spice (especially the peel), blue/bloody meat, blood plum and chocolate. Hints of black tea depth with licorice allsorts and soft vanilla kisses. Full bodied without corpulence. Initial bloom of dark red fruits expand wide with soft, chewy tannins before things tighten and draw close. Lean in it says…. a stony whisper, a hush not often seen in wines of this rank with a juicy dark raspberry biting coda. Leave the bottle, please." (2020 vintage)

James Suckling "Violet florals with blueberries, blackberries and blackcurrants. The fruit-focused palate has a smooth sheen of tannin that builds nicely into the spicy finish. Ripe, succulent tannins hold fresh. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2020 vintage)

Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion "Shiraz grown on oxidised ferrous terra rossa over clay soils; 100% whole berries in the ferment, matured in old, seasoned French oak barriques for 16 months. A fruit profile that is deep and resonant, featuring rich red- and black-berry fruits and black cherry, underscored with hints of licorice, earth, dark chocolate and oak spice. Compact powdery tannin, great fruit intensity and texture galore." (2020 vintage)

Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Ink black core to a deep purple rim. Black cherry, sarsaparilla and anise aromas. Full-bodied and boisterous across the tongue. Purple fruit and dark spices bounce along to a reasonable length finish. A year in bottle will settle it, I suspect" (2020 vintage)

Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate "Aromatically, this 2020 Ned and Henry's Shiraz is buoyant and effusive with blueberries, raspberries, salted licorice and char. In the mouth, there is leaf, bramble and sap; the wine is surprisingly lean and firm, relying more on structure than the nose would suggest. I can't find any comment on whole bunch or not, but the wine has a stalky/sappy character, which would make more sense if it had! The tannins are a little firm for my tastes, but if you like lean, spiny Shiraz, this is for you." (2020 vintage)

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot "You gotta love Barossa shiraz when you wrap your gums around this terrific wine. Hints of ironstone and chalk emerge on the nose to complement the dark fruit characters of this true Barossa shiraz. The palate is dense and super concentrated with dark plum and blackberry favours swirling with a dark liqueur chocolate richness filling the background. Brilliant and bright, while still with that power and length. Super wine." (2019 vintage)

Stuart Knox, The Real Review "Black core, deep purple rim and a glass coating viscosity. A nose of paprika, blackberries and bramble. Full black fruit on entry, layer of liquorice and wood-spices show along the flow as well. A solid grip of tannins kicks in to manage the fruit-weight. A reasonable length but the finish is a little out of focus" (2019 vintage)

James Suckling "Attractive purple berries with bergamot, coal-smoke and tarry notes. Violets, earth and some herbal and chocolate nuances, too. The palate has plenty of tannin and a long, juicy red and blackcurrant core. Big, juicy finish that makes some real impact. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2018 vintage)

Huon Hooke, The Real Review "The bouquet has green pea and bean aromas, spices and smoky burnt vegetable notes. The wine is sinewy and uneven across the palate. There's a suggestion of 'dead fruit', but it has redeeming features." (2018 vintage)

Australian Wine Companion "Established in 1998 Hewitson winery is situated in the heart of the Barossa Valley on the historic Seppeltsfield Road and boasts some of the oldest vines in the world. Hewitson fruit is sourced from historic, dry-grown vineyards in the Barossa Valley and also from single site vineyards in Eden Valley, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills."

Frederick Wildman "Dean Hewitson founded his eponymous winery in 1998. He is a highly respected Australian winemaker ...Hewitson has worked at wineries in Australia, France, Italy and Oregon. Hewitson then moved to the U.S. where he earned a Masters from UC-Davis. On his return home, Dean brought a wealth of knowledge, practical experience and a driving passion to produce wines not only from Barossa Valley, but also from the McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills regions.

Hewitson fundamentally believes great wines are the expression of the soils they are grown in and the season in which they are grown. With his longstanding focus on terroir—specific terroir plots in fact—many of Hewitson’s wines are single vineyard. He sources grapes from not only his own vineyards, but also from long standing grower contracts including a few sourced from some of the oldest living, still productive vines on plots that date back to the mid-19th century and are pre-phylloxera. His ‘Old Garden’ Mourvèdre is a single-vineyard wine, whose vines were planted in 1853 in Barossa Valley and are reputed to be the oldest Mourvèdre vines in the world. Hewitson’s ‘Miss Harry’ is sourced from a Grenache vineyard planted in 1880, also thought to be the oldest Grenache in existence.

Due to Hewitson’s education and experience in Australia, California and France, Hewitson wines combine Old-World traditions with New-World fruit purity. And while he clearly excels with Rhône Valley grape varieties, Hewitson also produces award-winning Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. A practitioner in solar energy, water recycling and encouraging natural biodiversity, Hewitson produces wines in an environmentally sustainable fashion."

James Halliday "Dean Hewitson was a winemaker at Petaluma [one of Australia's leading wineries] for 10 years, during which time he managed to do three vintages in France and one in Oregon as well as undertaking his Masters at the University of California, Davis. It is hardly surprising that the wines are immaculately made from a technical viewpoint. Dean sources 30-year-old riesling from the Eden Valley and 70-year-old shiraz from McLaren Vale; he also makes a Barossa Valley Mourvedre from vines planted in 1853 at Rowland Flat, and Barossa Valley Shiraz and Grenache from 60-year-old vines at Tanunda."

The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. A striking feature of the Barossa Valley's wine landscape is the presence of very old vines, proudly showcased on many wine labels and during vineyard tours.

Shiraz is the name given to the dark-skinned Syrah grape when grown in Australia and selected pockets of the New World. Though genetically identical, the stylistic differences between Shiraz and Syrah are usually pronounced.

Shiraz is so important to Australian viticulture that it is the most planted grape variety in the majority of Australian vineyards and has become virtually synonymous with the country's wine regions, and in particular the Barossa Valley.

1 x Patrick of Coonawarra Methode Cabernet Nouveau 2021 ~ Coonawarra ~ South Australia

90/100 James Suckling 
Bronze - Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion

James Suckling "An assortment of techniques to arrive at an early-release and early-drinking style of cabernet that offers a light, red-toned fruit core with sweet, red perfume and fresh-herb notes. The palate has a fine, lightly fleshy feel with elegant, smooth redcurrant flavors."

Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion " Love the concept."....Cool little squat bottle here, and an early release cabernet (if the 'Nouveau' didn't give it away...)...This is surprisingly savoury, leafy and herbal (like a tincture, with amaro mountain herbs, garden mint and medicinal arnica), with a hint of mouse that emerges and plumes through the finish."

Winemaker "This wine sits perfectly in the 'Chilled Red' category, you might see this referenced as CR on a wine list. Putting a red wine in the fridge is certainly not a new thing, but it has seen a re-emergence in the last couple of years. As per the 2020 vintage, this wine is made to enjoy young — it's a soft, approachable twist on a classic variety....If you do want to chill this wine, simply treat it like you would a Rosé or Light White (eg. Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc). An approachable take on a classic that will make you question the variety and challenge your perceptions.

Patrick of Coonawarra was founded by Patrick Tocaciu; one of Australia's leading wine (and AFL football) figures. Patrick's reputation for producing exceptional wine earned him many international accolades for the major labels he worked as Chief Winemaker, including; Tollana, Penfolds, and Hollick Wines.

Patrick's distinguished reputation continued with the establishment of his own Patrick of Coonawarra Estate label. The wines are built on the solid foundation of extensive estate vineyards: 36 hectares in Coonawarra and 42 hectares in Wrattonbully. The Wrattonbully plantings contain shiraz, sauvignon blanc, and some of the riesling. All of the cabernet is grown in Coonawarra. The Estate is now managed by his eonologist son, Luke who continues the tradition of producing wines of varietal and regional excellence.

Coonawarra is the most important wine region within the Limestone Coast zone of South Australia, credited with producing some of the best red wines in the entire country, and often described as Australia's most famous terroir. The region's prime Terra Rossa land, which has a reddish-brown topsoil over a thick layer of soft limestone, covers a narrow strip only 12 kilometres long. The reddish colour of the soil is caused by iron-oxide (rust) formations in the clay. Vineyards on this soil benefit from good drainage and nutrient-holding capacity. It is known for the Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced on its "terra rossa" soil. Coonawarra is an Aboriginal word meaning "Honeysuckle". It is about 380 km southeast of Adelaide, close to the border with Victoria.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.

1 x Majella Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ~ Coonawarra South Australia

95/100 Campbell Mattinson (Halliday) (2018 vintage)
91/100 Huon Hooke (2017 vintage)
96/100 James Halliday (2016 vintage)
92/100 James Suckling (2016 vintage)
96/100 James Halliday (2015 vintage)
89/100 Robert Parker (2015 vintage)
95/100 James Halliday (2014 vintage)
95/100 James Halliday (2013 vintage)

James Halliday 5 Star Winery

James Halliday 96/100

James Halliday "This hits the bullseye, a great example of the synergy between place and variety. Its colour is good, as is the bouquet, and that arrow arrives the moment the wine enters the mouth. It has waves of luscious, juicy red and black fruits that fill every corner of the palate, tannins, and oak doing the job expected of them."

Aus Cellar Door "Long regarded as one of Australia's finest Cabernet makers, Majella consistently deliver a top line example of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2015 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon is again in fine form; rich and juicy with plum, blackberry fruits and fruitcake-like flavours all on offer on this complex palate. As ever the finish is long with wonderful, soft grainy tannins offering excellent structure."

Gourmet Traveller Wine (Dave Brookes) ~ "... the winery consistently produces some of the best wines in Coonawarra. At the top end, they tend to be opulent and plushly fruited with beautifully judged use of oak. At the entry level, they burst with fruit and are good value for money."

Wine Spectator ~ "AUSTRALIA'S EDGE. How the land Down Under scores so well with so many wines. It's about the producers, big and small, that make value a priority without sacrificing quality. It's about wineries like Majella..."

Winemaker "The wine is dark magenta in colour, with a deep ruby red hue. Mint, eucalypt, dark fruit with savoury, toasty aromas are paired with a fresh, structured palate of mint and cassis supported by classic mulberry and plum characters. Fine tannins and good length."

Campbell Mattinson (Halliday) "Pristine blackcurrant and bay leaf flavours come whispered with toasty, cedar wood oak. Truth is though that it tastes of Coonawarra and of cabernet sauvignon and of not much else, in the best of ways. Essence of the variety and of the region. It draws confidently through the palate and is satisfying and then some through the finish."

James Halliday "Powerful, rich, concentrated, complex and - as is the wont of cabernet sauvignon - may bite you with tannins or some other painful lesson. Well, that doesn't apply here, because the wine has too much in its favour as it rolls out endless velvety carpets for your teeth to rest on." (2016 Vintage)

James Suckling "The depth of blackcurrant aromas and flavors here is impressive. Focused and powerful palate. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (2016 Vintage)

Huon Hooke "Very deep, brilliant purple/red colour with a pungent leafy, minty, cassis bouquet, the palate bright with crisp refreshing acidity and firm but balanced tannins, the finish smooth and gently pleasing. It’s very much a fresh, bright-fruit style of cabernet. The acidity is on the high side. Peppermint echoes on the aftertaste." (2016 Vintage)

James Halliday "This hits the bullseye, a great example of the synergy between place and variety. Its colour is good, as is the bouquet, and that arrow arrives the moment the wine enters the mouth. It has waves of luscious, juicy red and black fruits that fill every corner of the palate, tannins and oak doing the job expected of them." (2015 Vintage)

Robert Parker "The medium-bodied 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon features opening aromas of mint or eucalyptus, cassis and maybe even a trace of pickle brine. Crisp, tangy, open-knit and easy, it's a solid representative of the region, loaded with flavor, even if it lacks a bit of refinement. It should drink well through 2025." (2015 Vintage)

Aus Cellar Door "Long regarded as one of Australia's finest Cabernet makers, Majella consistently deliver a top line example of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2015 Majella Cabernet Sauvignon is again in fine form; rich and juicy with plum, blackberry fruits and fruitcake-like flavours all on offer on this complex palate. As ever the finish is long with wonderful, soft grainy tannins offering excellent structure." (2015 Vintage)

Gourmet Traveller Wine (Dave Brookes) ~ "... the winery consistently produces some of the best wines in Coonawarra. At the top end, they tend to be opulent and plushly fruited with beautifully judged use of oak. At the entry level, they burst with fruit and are good value for money." (2015 Vintage)

Wine Spectator ~ "AUSTRALIA'S EDGE. How the land Down Under scores so well with so many wines. It's about the producers, big and small, that make value a priority without sacrificing quality. It's about wineries like Majella..." (2015 Vintage)

The Winemaker ~ "The palate is complex, with rich plum, blackberries and cassis flavours, well balanced tannins and fine oak with a long finish." (2014 Vintage)

Majella is one of the most awarded small Australian wineries. It is family owned and based in the famous Coonawarra wine region of South Australia. The Coonawarra wine region is characterised by its soils, known far and wide as “terra rossa” - literally “red earth”.

The Coonawarra “terra Rossa” forms a long, linear shape, little more that 20km long, and in parts only a few kilometres wide.

This soil is regarded as one of the premium viticultural soils of the world and Majella is fortunate that its vineyards are situated on the eastern edge of this famous “red strip”.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.