Region and Vineyards
Coonawarra, located in South Australia's Limestone Coast zone, is internationally celebrated for its distinctive terra rossa soils—a thin strip of rich, red clay over limestone that provides both excellent drainage and a moderate supply of nutrients. This geological gift, combined with a maritime-influenced climate and a long, cool growing season, makes the region ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Wynns estate benefits from one of the region’s most extensive Cabernet plantings. The John Riddoch cuvée is crafted from a stringent selection of the finest fruit parcels, sourced exclusively from mature vines on the estate’s prime vineyard blocks. These sites are meticulously managed, with green harvesting and rigorous thinning employed to ensure concentration and balance. The 2016 vintage was notably warm, with early flowering and harvest, resulting in deeply flavoured, full-bodied wines—perfect conditions for crafting a cellar-worthy Cabernet.
Winemaking
The 2016 John Riddoch is vinified from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the purity and intensity of the vintage. The winemaking team, led by Sue Hodder and Sarah Pidgeon, employed a minimalist approach focused on gentle extraction and preserving site character.
Fermentation took place in stainless steel with extended maceration to build structure. The wine was then matured for 16 months in French oak—31% new—with a combination of hogsheads and barriques used to fine-tune texture and integrate tannins. The final blend exhibits remarkable concentration, precision, and a hallmark finesse that defines this label’s legacy.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep red-black hue with striking brightness and saturation.
- Aroma: Pure and refined, with lifted cassis, black cherry, violet, and integrated oak nuances of mocha and cedar.
- Palate: Plush yet structured, it delivers a core of ripe blackcurrant and dark plum, supported by a creamy, mocha-textured mid-palate. Firm yet silky tannins extend through a long, mineral-tinged finish. Balanced acidity ensures graceful ageing for decades.
Did you know?
The first vintage of John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon was made in 1982. Only the finest vintages are selected for production, and the wine is named after John Riddoch, the founder of the original Coonawarra Fruit Colony and a visionary in the region’s development. Fewer than 1% of the estate’s Cabernet grapes make it into this ultra-premium bottling, underscoring its elite status.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- 36° South beef from the Limestone Coast: A natural match, with the region’s mineral-rich soils echoed in both the wine and the meat’s flavour profile.
- Herb-crusted rack of lamb: The wine’s structured tannins and savoury undertones complement the richness and aromatic herbs.
- Wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil: Earthy depth mirrors the wine’s complexity and mocha accents.
- Aged cheddar or clothbound English Cheddar: The robust, matured cheese draws out the wine’s darker fruit and oak nuances.
