2016 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon

Wynns Coonawarra Estate was founded by Scottish pioneer John Riddoch, who was a true visionary. He planted vineyards and completed the three gabled winery in 1891.

In 1951, the Wynn family bought the iconic winery and vineyard, convinced of the region's potential to produce top quality wines. The now iconic woodcut by Melbourne designer Richard Beck of the winery's facade adorns the first wine released under the Wynns Coonawarra Estate label in 1952. true essence of Coonawarra - varietal character with finesse.

Today, Wynns Coonawarra Estate is Coonawarra's preeminent wine producer and largest vineyard owner, with the longest standing vineyards in the region. Led by Sue Hodder (Senior Winemaker since 1998) and Allen Jenkins (Wynns Viticulturist), Wynns wines are considered benchmarks for the district, acclaimed for their consistent quality and depth of flavor.

In vintages where the grapes are considered exceptional, two flagship red wines are made: the John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon and the Michael Shiraz. A range of single vineyard wines is further evidence of Wynns' depth; an announced vineyard is selected and the wine is named after him.

The John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon was first created in 1982 and is the flagship for Wynns as was John Riddoch himself. His many accomplishments include building Wynns Gabled winery and establishing Coonawarra Fruit Colony. John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is made in small batches from the best available fruit grown on the estate's extensive Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in the heart of the terra rossa soil. It has become a quintessential Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, made only in years when exceptionally high quality grapes are available. Less than one percent of the top quality Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are allowed in the John Riddoch.

In the glass, the John Riddoch has an intense dark red color with great depth and clarity. On the nose, wine is pure, focused and refined. Beautifully balanced acidity and freshness ensure this wine will live gracefully for 30 years. The smooth and juicy ripe cassis flavors are combined with a mocha-like creaminess of French oak. Beautifully structured. A fine tannin line frames powerful fruit and offers all the hallmarks of a great John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon.