Great Value Reds

This family winery have been landowners in Coonawarra for over 100 years. They are Coonawarra experts and the jewel in their crown is, of course, cabernet sauvignon. Their wines consistently score highly with critics and this 2020 cellar release is a showcase of a deep understanding of the land and masterstroke winemaking.

The blackberry fruit concentration is immense and elevated by fine, dancing tannin. It wouldn't be Coonawarra without the marriage of mint and tobacco, rounding out mouth-feel and driving complexity. This is fantastic drinking now and will age gracefully for another decade.

Once upon a time… this vineyard was the fairway golf course (thus the name). These days, the only thing being driven is excellence - straight down the middle of McLaren Vale’s famed 19th Vineyard. With sweeping views across St Vincent’s Gulf and deep sandy soils that gift a more floral, aromatic expression of shiraz, this truly has become one of Paxton’s crown jewels. Here's what's going on once you pop the top off this beauty... The nose is pure temptation - ripe blackberries, crushed raspberries, vanilla cream, and a satisfying hint of chai spice. It’s inviting in that “come sit by the window and take it all in” kind of way. On the palate, it’s smooth but full-bodied, with mulberries leading the charge. The texture is all silk and easy grace. Time in French oak barriques has stretched and polished the finish, bringing everything into calm, cohesive balance. It’s the kind of shiraz that lingers in your memory - and on your palate - long after that last gorgeous sip.

Coonawarra doesn't do average Cabernet. The region's too proud for that, the terra rossa soils too good, the reputation too hard-earned. What it does do — reliably, almost annoyingly - is produce some of the most structured, elegant, deeply satisfying cabernet in the country, if not the world. Here's a perfect example of that. Stonehaven's Limited Vineyard Release is a textbook high-quality Coonawarra cab - and the accolades back it up. Two separate 95-point reviews. A Halliday Special Value Award at full retail price. This is a wine that keeps getting recognised, and for good reason. Blackberry, dark cherry and boysenberry lead the charge, with cedar, cocoa, sage and a whisper of cigar pouch adding layers of complexity you wouldn't see coming. The palate is full-bodied and focused - blue fruit and cassis through the middle, tobacco and dark chocolate underneath, fine tannins pulling it all into a long, refined finish. Rich enough to impress at a dinner table. Approachable enough to crack on a Tuesday. Classic Coonawarra cab with genuine depth and poise. The awards aren't lying. This one's the real deal.