2024 Heirloom Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra

A dark and opaque red in glass. Aromas of bramble, dried herbs, blackberry, cedar, spice and ferrous earth. The palate is opulent, dark fruited and with plenty of plushness and fleshiness, but with some shapely tannins and acidity pulling it all in to deliver texture, length and presence. Drink to 2041.

93 points Aaron Brasher for The Real Review, July 2026

Filled with lavender, lilac and dark mulberries. This conjures up the dark earthly depths of a winter forest, with a hint of pine needle, wood-ear mushroom and thistle. It's astute and the acidity stands tall, with some cassis and blackcurrant jam nestled into the middle palate. It's a very satisfying and undulating drink, built for the long haul with its sandy tannins, but quite palatable on release. Drink to 2037.

92 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion, January 2026

Heirloom Vineyards is a venture of winemaker Elena Brooks and her husband, Zar. Established in 2000, their goal is to preserve the best of tradition, the unique old vineyards of South Australia, and to champion the best clones of each variety, embracing organic and biodynamic farming. Fruit is sourced from growers across the state, from Coonawarra up to Barossa’s Eden Valley.

This wine come to us from old vine blocks in the heart of Coonawarra. The hand harvested grapes were fermented small open-top fermenters with gentle extraction and the pressed wine matured in French oak barriques for 18 months.

Pairs well with roast lamb and rosemary or a hard cheese board with cheddar and Manchego. Drinking well on release but can also be matured further under good conditions.