By David Ellis from Vintnews.
Wynns make their flagship John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon from only the very best fruit off their vast plantings in Coonawarra, and then only in those years when that “very best” is considered to have risen to a level considerably beyond the norm.
In the case of their latest release – from the wonderful 2013 vintage on the company’s classic terra rossa soil vineyards – winemaker Sue Hodder used under one per cent of that very best of fruit for this wine. So, it’s a little wonder some reviewers have already described the 2013 John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon as arguably “richer and more concentrated than any other wine from Coonawarra in that year.”
Named after pioneer pastoralist and politician, John Riddoch who established the Coonawarra Fruit Colony in 1891, this 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful, yet supple and restrained, with wonderfully concentrated black olive and mulberry flavours, elegant tobacco and cassis, a hint of rosemary, and chalky tannins.
With only limited production due to the grape selection criteria, this one has a $150 price tag to enjoy with a platter of hard and aged cheeses for Christmas, New Year or other celebrations as well as to share at the table with a rare to medium-rare rib-eye or sirloin steak, or consider as a very special Christmas gift for a VIP red wine buff.
One to note: although the first vines were planted only in the 1980s, Sauvignon Blanc has now become Tasmania’s third most widely planted wine grape after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
A nice example of the quality that it’s risen to is the 2015 Roaring 40s Sauvignon Blanc of Riversdale Estate in the Coal River Valley just 20km out of Hobart. For here’s a wine that reflects a long growing season in the cool maritime climate, and the resultant tropical fruit flavours in small-bunch harvested fruit.
At $24.50 this one’s a great match with shellfish, grilled snapper or smoked salmon; check www.riversdaleestate.com.au to order online.
