#newwinethisweek Week 14 – Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
Terroir is an intriguing, complex and beguiling concept. At its most basic level it can be translated as “a sense of place”; a wine that tastes of where it comes from. There are few conversations about Burgundy without mention of terroir, then there are the differences between Hermitage and Cote Rotie in the Northern Rhone; or La Morra and Serralunga in Barolo, to name just a few. The wines from these regions have distinctive styles, aromas and flavours that are instantly recognisable. Wine has been produced and lauded from these regions for centuries; the terroir is “understood”.
And what about the New World? I read many articles where winemakers talk about “getting to know and understand their terroir”, but there is one region who’s wines are unmistakable and truly delicious. That region is Coonawarra in South Australia.
Source: http://www.sevenfields.com.au
Coonawarra is a sub-region of the Limestone Coast and is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are produced from this 12km x 2km strip of “terra rossa” soil, whose stunning red appearance is caused by rust formations in the clay, and lies on top of a thick limestone layer. The wines have wonderfully rich and concentrated flavours of blackcurrant with a minty, eucalyptus-fresh finish. They are some of my very favourite red wines and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com
Here are a few recommendations from me: and don’t forget to look out for more suggestions, from www.pleasebringmemywine, including selections from Spirited Wines, Majestic and the other supermarkets:
Founders Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Coonawarra (Waitrose £11.99)
M&S Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Coonawarra (M&S £9.99)
Warner’s Corner Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Coonawarra (The Wine Society £8.50)
Leconfield Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Coonawarra (The Wine Society £14.95)
Berton Vineyards Cabernet Reserve 2010, Coonawarra (Wine & The Vine £12.45)
I am REALLY looking forward to this week!
Not all of the supermarkets stock wines from Coonawarra itself, but these are excellent wines from the wider Limestone Coast area:
Finest Howcroft Cabernet 2010, Limestone Coast (Tesco £7.49)
Exquisite Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Clare Valley (Aldi £6.99)
And here’s a link to some more suggestions, from www.pleasebringmemywine, including selections from Spirited Wines, Majestic and the other supermarkets:
http://pleasebringmemywine.com/2014/04/08/nwtw-week-14-cabernet-sauvignon-coonawarra-part-two/
Now all you have to do is buy a bottle and tell us what you think! All we ask is that you come back here during the week, give your Aussie Cab Sav experience a score out of 10 and leave a tasting note in the comments section.
Where will Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon end up on the #newwinethisweek leaderboard?
Posted on April 7, 2014, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 11 Comments.
Confessions of a Wine Geek
I’ve had the Berton several times, very distinctive mint (spearmint actually) on the nose, but not as luscious a body as some others.
Wynn’s black label is a classic of the area, hope someone includes that.
Rymill used to make Tesco’s own Coonawarra – was a veritable bargain!
The Berton is a wine I always have in stock… lovely concentration at a decent price. The Aldi Limestone Coast deco is amazon g value for money – one of the best value reds in the UK.
I will try and get hold of a bottle of Katnook – The Wine Society have stopped selling this amazing elixir!
Latest Katnooks are in screwtop!
Parker Estate is one of the few I didn’t visit when I went down as they hadn’t opened their cellar door at the time. Would love to go back!
Reblogged this on Please Bring Me My Wine and commented:
Cheers for kicking this one off Ant…
Anything suitable from Lea & Sandeman that you know of Ant?
Hi John – nothing on the website… pay Jez a visit; I think he’s still got a few bottles of the 2009 Berton!
Katnook Estate Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
This is a grown up wine, full of fruit but also tannin and acidity. The alcohol is quite modest by Aussie standards at 13.5% (though it can reach 14.5% in particularly warm vintages.
It shows the hallmarks of Coonawarra Cab – mint and cassis on the nose, then juicy fresh blackcurrant on the palate (no Ribena here). Crunchy tannins help round it out.
Fabulous with fillet steak, fruity enough to drink on its own – it isn’t “cheap” but it’s great value at around €24 in Ireland. 9/10 from me!
The Wynns Cabernet is always a good wine and if you find the John Riddoch, fork out the coin! I’m actually a fan of the great vale Wynns cabernet shiraz merlot. I’ve still got a couple of bottles of the 93 and last one I opened, late last year, was still punching along! Great for a less than $25 wine (was [probably only $10 back then)!
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