Ahmed’s picks: 15 top Coonawarra reds to try
and length, this sophisticated Coonawarra stalwart shows very persistent and juicy, perfumed cassis fruit, savoury black olive and cedar oak. Polished to perfection and stunning value.
2016-2025 Alc 13.5%
Lindemans, Pyrus Trio Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc- Malbec 2013
94 N/A UK www.lindemans.com A pretty, perfumed Bordeaux blend with mint, thyme, cedar and bay leaf accenting the bright mulberry and plum fruit. Fine-grained tannins complete the elegant picture. Drink 2016-2028 Alc 14%
Majella, Estate Shiraz 2012 Katnook, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
93 £ 25.50 Eton Vintners, WoodWinters Heady with a rich burnish of charry, spicy oak to its cassis and juicier mulberry and blackberry. Long, with ripe but textural gravelly tannins. 2016-2028 Alc 13.5%
Rymill, The Surveyor 2013
or in a blend), including Coonawarra’s most expensive wine yet – a classic Cabernet-Shiraz, Penfolds’ Bin 620 2008 (the second release since 1966, launched in late 2011). Its maker, Peter Gago, cites an exceptionally low-yielding vintage in 2002 as ‘a turning point’ for Penfolds’ viticulture, as ‘machine-harvested fruit brightness and varietal character was compromised by material other than grapes; mainly dead wood.’ He says ‘the main change was a focus on hand-pruning.
Renewed interest