2018 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon John Riddoch

Vivid purple. Expansive dark berry, kirsch, vanilla and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of woodsmoke, cured tobacco and candied licorice. Sweet, sharply focused and gently chewy in the mouth, offering concentrated black currant, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and cola flavors braced by a core of juicy acidity. Shows impressive tenacity on the spice-tinged finish, which is shaped by youthfully gripping tannins.

This young 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon John Riddoch is a complete and stylish package that will deliver for decades to come. It initially offers up a dense core of youthful fruits including blackberry, fruit pastilles and cedar, with high quality oak already well integrated. Despite its raw power, the wine also remains composed and focused, with firm, mouthcoating tannins driving a long, savoury finish. It, again, shows the seamlessness which is becoming a hallmark of this label.

Deep purple colour. Very pure blackcurrant and dark-cherry fruit on the nose. The palate follows, with real precision of dark fruit and glossy, refined tannins. The silky texture is accentuated by powdery ripe tannins. Vibrant and spicy, this is very finely made. It should improve in bottle. (TP)