Coonawarra is Australia's most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon region — a narrow, flat strip of terra rossa (iron-rich red clay over ancient Jurassic limestone) in South Australia's far southeast Limestone Coast zone. The 15km by 2km terra rossa cigar is the most precisely defined premium wine terroir in Australia: the red clay-over-limestone combination produces Cabernet Sauvignon of extraordinary depth, structure, and eucalyptus-mint character that is distinctively Coonawarra. The region's cool maritime climate (moderated by Bass Strait) provides natural acid retention and extended hang time, producing wines that age beautifully for 20-30+ years from exceptional vintages.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92 | Return to form after difficult 2019-2020 period. Cool, wet spring followed by perfect ripening — excellent Cabernet with classic structure and age-worthiness. |
| 2019 | 86 | Dry, warm vintage with some smoke taint risk from bushfire season. Careful selection produced good wines despite challenging conditions. |
| 2017 | 95 | Outstanding vintage — cool, long ripening season produced Cabernet of extraordinary structure, mint-eucalyptus character, and aging potential. The benchmark recent vintage. |
| 2016 | 88 | Slightly warmer conditions with some heat events. Rich, approachable Cabernet with ripe tannin — drinking well earlier than typical Coonawarra. |
| 2015 | 90 | Well-balanced season with consistent rainfall and moderate temperatures. Elegant, structured Cabernet with good acid retention and classic eucalyptus character. |