Balnaves

Balnaves of Coonawarra is a family-owned winery recognized for producing structured, terroir-driven wines that capture the unique characteristics of South Australia’s famed Coonawarra region. Known for its commitment to quality, Balnaves specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that reflect the rich heritage and dedication of the Balnaves family.

History of Balnaves Estate

Founded in 1975 by Doug and Annette Balnaves, the estate grew from the family’s agricultural roots and dedication to cultivating premium wine. Doug Balnaves, originally a farmer, saw the potential for viticulture in Coonawarra’s unique terroir and focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style wines that reflect the family’s vision and commitment to quality. The family produced their first estate-labeled wines in 1990, setting a standard of excellence in the region. Today, Kirsty Balnaves, the founders' daughter, manages the estate, working alongside a skilled winemaking team led by Pete Bissell. The winemaking approach at Balnaves emphasizes minimal intervention, sustainability, and precision, capturing the essence of each vintage.

Balnaves has since grown into a highly respected winery, with its flagship wines like The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showcasing the estate’s skill in producing age-worthy, expressive wines. The Balnaves family is celebrated not only for their high standards in winemaking but also for their deep connection to the local community and commitment to sustainable practices.

Region and Vineyards

The Coonawarra region is widely known for its terra rossa soils—a unique iron-rich red soil over limestone that offers excellent drainage and imparts mineral complexity to the wines. The region benefits from a cool maritime climate, with cooling breezes from the Southern Ocean that allow for a longer growing season. This climate is ideal for slow, even ripening, which enhances both the concentration of flavors and natural acidity in the wines. The combination of these factors makes Coonawarra one of Australia’s premier regions for producing elegant, structured wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Balnaves’ estate vineyards span 58 hectares on the prized terra rossa strip. The majority of plantings are Cabernet Sauvignon, carefully managed in individual blocks that reflect subtle variations in soil depth, vine age, and exposure. This precise management allows each block to express its unique character, resulting in wines with depth, balance, and a true sense of place. The Balnaves family’s focus on block-by-block vineyard management, along with sustainable practices, enables the estate to produce wines that are not only expressive but also representative of Coonawarra’s distinguished terroir.

Wine Range

Balnaves produces an exceptional range of wines, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that emphasize Coonawarra’s terroir:

• The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: The flagship wine, crafted with depth and structure, showcasing the aging potential of Coonawarra Cabernet.
• Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot: A balanced blend, expressing elegance and harmony between the two varieties.
• Chardonnay and Shiraz: Cool-climate expressions highlighting finesse and complexity unique to Coonawarra.

Did You Know?

The name “The Tally” celebrates Doug Balnaves’ heritage in Merino wool shearing, where each “tally” marked a significant achievement. This symbolic name reflects Balnaves’ dedication to precision and excellence in winemaking.