"The Balnaves family, Coonawarra and Cabernet Sauvignon are concentric circles, indivisible from one another,” declares James Halliday. So true: they’re Coonawarra to the core. Doug Balnaves and children Kirsty and Pete were all born in Penola and the winery sits at the heart of the famous Terra Rossa strip, where Doug started planting vines in 1976. Former Qantas Winemaker of the Year Pete Bissell is the other essential piece of the puzzle, helping this producer to the title of James Halliday Winery of the Year in 2008. 

Dark red in colour, the nose is intense with aromas of mulberry, wild blackberry and liquorice combined with delicate smoky-coffee French oak. The palate is medium bodied with a soft round Merlot mouth- feel, black fruit flavours and a touch of dried herbs. This wine will reward careful cellaring, and decant before drinking.

The concept of “value” in wine can be a nebulous thing. There can be more of it in a bottle of real beauty costing hundreds than a magnum of woeful dishwater under 20 bucks. But here it’s quantifiable and undeniable. A classic blend of Bordeaux varieties from a region in which they excel. Tick. Born from some of Coonawarra’s best managed vineyards. Tick. Made with deftness and sensitivity by winemakers who understand intimately what makes Coonawarra special. Tick. Yours for less than the price of two schooners. Huge tick. Rating: 94 Points; Date: Nov 2025; Price: $20.00; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 94 Points & Top 100 Wines Of 2025; Nick Ryan; The Weekend Australian