Hollick The Bard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil - a thin strip of red earth over limestone - creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique terroir produces wines with exceptional structure and the distinctive blackcurrant intensity found in The Bard, while the cool climate ensures elegant tannins and natural acidity. The region is often called Australia's answer to Bordeaux for good reason.

The 2016 vintage in Coonawarra was exceptional, producing concentrated fruit with perfect ripeness. At 7-8 years of age, this wine has reached beautiful drinking maturity where the initial tannins have softened and integrated with the fruit flavours. The vintage's natural balance means the wine shows both power and elegance, with the vanilla oak notes now perfectly married to the blackcurrant core.

The wine honours John Shaw Neilson, the celebrated Australian lyric poet who once lived at the historic cottage on Hollick's Coonawarra property. Neilson was known for his evocative nature poetry, and this wine captures that same sense of place and artistry. The connection between poetry and winemaking reflects the craftsmanship and cultural heritage that defines premium Australian wine regions.

The wine's medium body and textured, savoury profile make it incredibly food-friendly, particularly with grilled meats where the smoky flavours complement the wine's earthy undertones. The blackcurrant and spice notes pair beautifully with lamb, beef, or even game meats, while the integrated vanilla adds richness that works with herb-crusted dishes. Its approachable style means it won't overpower lighter fare like mushroom-based dishes.

Winning gold medals at the China Wine and Spirits Awards in consecutive years (2018 and 2019) demonstrates consistent excellence and international recognition. These awards, combined with the 'Killer Vintage' rating, indicate the wine punches well above its weight class. The international judging panels recognised the wine's ability to showcase classic Coonawarra characteristics while remaining accessible and well-balanced.