1998 Wynns Coonawarra Estate John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon (1500ml)

The Wynns John Riddoch was first made in 1982 by the highly talented winemaker John Wade. Upon its release, the wine set a new retail price point, being sold at $12 a bottle, which was quite an outrageous price at the time, given the fact that the Black Label was less than half the price. The 1982 developed superbly over time, and firmly established the reputations of John Wade and 'John Riddoch.'

The tradition that Wade established is today carried on by winemaker Sue Hodder, who must be regarded as Australia's top Lady winemaker.

Small parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon are selected with the objective of producing a classic super concentrated Coonawarra Cabernet. The wine is matured in new and one year old French oak. The use of new oak has been eased back in this wine, allowing the fruit to express itself in a classic Coonawarra manner. Sue has deliberately endeavored to give complexity to the wine, adding layers of mint and that nuance of leaf, which handled by a lesser talent would not be a success.

Tasting Note: A brilliant firmly structured Cabernet with very long cellaring potential. Totally opaque, black, crimson colour. Aroma of cigar, cedar, blackcurrant, mint and dark chocolate, with just a hint of leafiness as an end note, but without any distraction to the aroma. Tightly knit palate flavour of dark chocolate, spiced toasted oak, supported by a fine grained, firmish, dry tannin structure. Mouthfilling, yet very youthful, and showing excellent balance, although the tannins last long into the aftertaste. Cellar 10-15 years. A Classic Coonawarra Cabernet.

RATING: 93/100

VALUE: XXXX/5