Scott C

10

Rich and bold. — a day ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Another great value red from Coonawarra - this from Bowen Estate. I paid $27.50 at the cellar door in 2021. Their excellent Cabernet Sauvignon was the same price. In earlier days this Cuvée showed cooler climate characteristics of white pepper - not evident in this bottle. This shows more spice, red berries and black olives. Just a medium weight palate and obviously great QPR. Interestingly in the early days of Coonawarra, Shiraz was more planted than Cabernet Sauvignon - it’s the reverse these days. — a month ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Deep Ruby , narrow ruby pink rim . Mint , cassis , blackberry , eucalyptus. On the palate lots of dark cassis , spiced blackberry, dark cherry . High quite gritty tannin , balanced acidity . Medium length , chocolate tinged finish . This is quite austere and closed at present in comparison to the other wines in this line up , the tannins need will need more time than the Bin 389 to round out . This is also less juicy with drier tannin than the Bin 389. With more time in the glass this started to show a more nuanced , mineral and tobacco side to it . This improve over a further 10 -12 years or so and last well a further 10 — 4 months ago

Geoff Upston

9.2

2020. Loved it and looking forward to more — 20 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

A deep Ruby red - no hint of bricking. Coonawarra mint noticeable on the nose. Possibly drinking this a little young at 16 years of age - at least a 20 year old wine. From a warmer year showing cassis, blackcurrant, milk chocolate and a little bay leaf. Fine grained persistent tannins. Hand pruned and picked, natural yeast fermentation, matured in French oak. A gift to us from the owner and winemaker, Sue Bell. Drinking well, thanks Sue. I hope you don’t think we drank it too early. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Mid Ruby. Notes of mulberry, lavender, cherry and a little pepper. Medium bodied spicy palate showing cool climate characters. Drinking well at 8 years with a long future. The last one I had was in 2018. This is more the midweek quaffer Wynns Shiraz, not like their premium Shiraz, “The Michael “. Interestingly Shiraz was initially the predominant red varietal in Coonawarra before Cabernet Sauvignon took that mantle. — 3 months ago

K ITO

9.2

rich, bitter & sweet well balanced — 20 days ago

Abbie mcAninch

9.0

A new friend advised me to try it because I love dry! It’s a great wine and very dry.
— 2 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.0

Nose: green pepper herbs.

Palate: lovely cab. Elegant red cherry. Nice vegetal.

$11 winebow — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

One of Australia’s best Cabernets. Sue Hodder who is Wynns’ chief winemaker told me that only the best 2% of their wide resources of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes goes into John Riddoch. I guess it explains the continuing high quality of Black Label (the next Cabernet down in the Wynns range and an unbelievable bargain). Sue was the chief winemaker in 2008 when she made this wine and remains the chief winemaker at Wynns. See previous Delectable note as things haven’t changed much. Coonawarra Mint, cassis and blackcurrant. A full bodied palate with fine persistent tannins. — 5 months ago