A TASTE OF COONAWARRA

2021 Raïdis Estate The Kid Riesling, $22

In a nod to Coonawarra’s historical love of riesling, Steve and Emma Raïdis have released a classic riesling bursting out of the glass with lime zest, green apples and lemon pith, with a minerality and texture that is lip-smackingly delicious. raidis.com.au

2018 Wynns Old Vines Black Label Shiraz, $45

A consistent quiet achiever using fruit from vines planted in 1894, this shiraz is a beautiful expression of the variety from the changing landscape of the Coonawarra. Medium-bodied and full of red fruits and a hint of spice – all that’s needed is a slow-cooked lamb shoulder. wynns.com.au

2015 Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon, $70

Sue Bell focuses on small parcels of fruit, which are hand pruned and handpicked, using only wild yeast growing in the vineyard and winery to produce this contemporary style of Coonawarra cabernet. Simply exceptional. bellwetherwines.com.au

2020 Penley Estate Project “E” Cabernet Sauvignon, $50

This is the first wine fermented in a concrete “egg” ever to be produced in the Coonawarra. As a result, the wine is on the lighter side but makes up for it in flavour; blood plums, cassis, and crushed blueberries, with just a hint of clove and dried sage for depth and intrigue. penley.com.au

Balnaves 2021 Release NV Sparkling Cabernet, $35

Regardless that sparkling red is entrenched in the Aussie vernacular, it has always been viewed as a bit daggy. But when you find one that’s well balanced, elegant and bursting with character (and has a base of 10 vintages of reserve wines), you can’t help but shout about it from the rooftops. balnaves.com.au