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. 

Includes 9% petit verdot. On skins for 30 days; matured for 13 months in Taransaud barriques (39% new). While very intense, its perfect balance makes it light on its feet. Cassis in abundance leads the palate, pirouetting through the tannins on the lingering finish. Date: Nov 2023; Alcohol: 14.1%; Price: $90.00; Drink by: 2051; Rating: 98 Points & Top 100 Wines for 2023; James Halliday Wine Companion