2019 Wynns, John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra 6x75cl

Decanter 96

An enticing savoury element to the nose, a soft wood spicing, sweet with cedar and some soft scrubland thyme notes and just a hint of violet perfume. Smooth and super succulent, juicy and fresh, instantly lively on the palate full of direction and purpose. Crunchy and bright yet also sumptuous and filling, the tannins are plump, massy and cover the mouth but gently and delicately so you get a sense of refinement and class here while still having power and concentration. It’s certainly on the ripe side, with plenty of sun-kissed, concentrated fruit as well as dark chocolate and cedar. A sense of classicism to this, it’s expansive and has a lovely Cabernet menthol touch at the end which is so appealing and leaves a moreish lasting impression. Ageing 16 months in new and seasoned French oak barrels; 31% new French oak, 69% in 1-4 year old French oak (85% barriques, 15% hogsheads). [05/07/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045

Robert Parker 97

The refinement of coopers (a result of repeated and long-term R&D over the years) is now starting to emerge as a key part of the success of these new release, premium wines. The selected one or two coopers work to preface the fruit and support the fruit and show the terroir… This is why we drink wine: to taste the place that it came from and to be transported there, if even for a moment. This 2019 John Riddoch Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon is exceptional—it is pure and has tannic sway and flow, and the palate is steeped in five spice, raspberry, mulberry, cassis and black tea. Inchoate. Don’t touch it for seven years at least. Even then… [11/08/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2029-2059