2009 Journeys End Coonawarra Station Cabernet Sauvignon

In the last three or four years we've noticed a strong resurgence in demand for Coonawarra Cabernets. This is in part due to the fact that we passed on many earlier vintages which seemed riddled with unripe fruit characteristics - hence we had nothing to recommend. Those days are clearly behind us. Most wines from the stand out 2009 vintage are now sold out, while the equally impressive 2010s are maintaining the same momentum. Prices remain very reasonable, especially compared against many examples from Margaret River. However, there have been considerable developments in the middle brackets as each vies for the place of the country's finest Cabernet zone. Dollar for dollar, the benchmarks are on shifting sands and both districts deserve regular re-examination.

In the bargain hunter's category in the West, Woodland's 'Margaret Blend' delivers genuine Bordeaux understatement and refinement, while Peter Gambetta of Yalumba Menzies fame leaves his stylistic stamp on a twenty dollar rendition named 'Ringbolt' (previously featured). In Coonawarra, the value bar is been raised by Doug Bowen's daughter, Emma, and now by Ben Riggs, the latter who is better known as one of South Australia's best hands at Shiraz. It's no surprise that in 2009 he's produced the kind of beefy Cabernet with enough texture, depth and power to seduce the Shiraz-only set, while retaining all the signature flavours you'd expect from Coonawarra.

An outstanding Coonawarra Cabernet that combines richness and power at a price that’s hard to beat.

Totally opaque black dark red colour with very deep dark red hue. Aromas of ripe blackcurrant and dark chocolate leap out of the glass with great intensity followed by nuances of spicy cedar, tobacco and mint. Full bodied the palate possesses rich ripe blackcurrant and dark chocolate flavours with a spearmint overlay followed by some cedar and spice. Very fine grained superbly integrated tannins. Excellent length with long dark chocolate, blackcurrant, subtle spearmint and spicy cedar aftertaste.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc 14.5%