2016 Katnook Caledonian Cabernet Shiraz, Coonawarra

The Caledonian is named in honour of canny Scotsman, John Riddoch, founder of the Coonawarra wine region. In 1896, Riddoch made his second vintage in the Katnook woolshed. It is available exclusively at Cellar Door and online. This blend captures the synergy of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz with smaller portions of lesser know varieties Tannat and Petit Verdot.

Richly layered dark berry fruit and oak. Black berry, mulberry and spiced plum, enhanced with vanillin oak and fine, lingering tannins.

Machine-harvested, crushed and destemmed, 5-10 days on skins with cultured yeast, blended after fermentation, 12 months in American oak (40% new). Bottle no. 2638 of 3500. Clever winemaking. The influence of the American oak was absorbed into the synergy already created by the two varieties, their flavours, and the tannins. A full-bodied wine made to feel deceptively light.

94 points James Halliday Wine Companion