Balnaves of Coonawarra

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

9.144 ratings
9.113 pro ratings
Coonawarra, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon
Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pasta, Venison, Tomato-Based, Potato, Pork, Chocolate & Caramel, White Rice, Mushrooms, Beef, Lamb, Chili & Hot Spicy
Top Notes For
Shengli Hu

Layered and intense: spearmint, eucalyptus, graphite, crushed stone, cedar, cigar, fresh and dried blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry, sweet baking spices, black olives, and dried bay leaves. High levels of smooth tannins is well balanced by medium+ acidity and concentration. Medium+ finish.

Layered and intense: spearmint, eucalyptus, graphite, crushed stone, cedar, cigar, fresh and dried blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry, sweet baking spices, black olives, and dried bay leaves. High levels of smooth tannins is well balanced by medium+ acidity and concentration. Medium+ finish.

Oct 25th, 2020
MICHAEL COOPER DipWSET

Owner TomeVinos wine shops, WSET Level 3, Blogger www.spanishwinesandmore.com, blog.tomevinos.com

8.9

Super #eucalyptus notes. A lot of typicity #cabernertsauvignon

Super #eucalyptus notes. A lot of typicity #cabernertsauvignon

Jul 1st, 2018
Bob McDonald

Classic aged Coonawarra Cabernet from a good vintage. Cedar chest of drawers Mint and Tobacco. Drinking at its peak from Balnaves.

Classic aged Coonawarra Cabernet from a good vintage. Cedar chest of drawers Mint and Tobacco. Drinking at its peak from Balnaves.

Feb 18th, 2018
Adam Dromi

In a blind tasting. Coonawarra to a T. #aussiewine

In a blind tasting. Coonawarra to a T. #aussiewine

1 person found it helpfulApr 13th, 2015
Ellen Clifford

This guy still needs another couple years to age. And when you open it wouldn't hurt to decant. But it's got good legs for aging, which kinda makes me wish I had bought more than one. Or waited longer. Thick as you might want in a red and rife with cassis, dried bay leaf, vanilla and maybe violets. Strong tannins. Yeah...I thought it would be okay to have this 2010 now but it could use a year or so. Or it may just be an overpowering cab. I mean it is tasty but pretty overpowering! Right now.

This guy still needs another couple years to age. And when you open it wouldn't hurt to decant. But it's got good legs for aging, which kinda makes me wish I had bought more than one. Or waited longer. Thick as you might want in a red and rife with cassis, dried bay leaf, vanilla and maybe violets. Strong tannins. Yeah...I thought it would be okay to have this 2010 now but it could use a year or so. Or it may just be an overpowering cab. I mean it is tasty but pretty overpowering! Right now.

Sep 1st, 2016
Sean Trapani

Founder/Educator Wine Fluent, Consultant ABC Fine Wines & Spirits

9.2

Fig paste, red raspberry, eucalyptus. A few years past its golden hour, but a regal old timer.

Fig paste, red raspberry, eucalyptus. A few years past its golden hour, but a regal old timer.

Mar 7th, 2016
Mark Davidson

Education Director Wine Australia

9.5

Damn near perfect example of why Coonawarra is a supreme Cabernet region. Blackberry, mint and cedar. Beautifully balanced tannins w a spine of lively acid. Textbook stuff

Damn near perfect example of why Coonawarra is a supreme Cabernet region. Blackberry, mint and cedar. Beautifully balanced tannins w a spine of lively acid. Textbook stuff

Sep 14th, 2015
Christanna Honer

Textbook. Red currant, dark chocolate, eucalyptus, tobacco, sweet soil. Dig it.

Textbook. Red currant, dark chocolate, eucalyptus, tobacco, sweet soil. Dig it.

Aug 19th, 2015
Ed Merrison

The big smile rating has much to do with a) how in the mood I was for this (lamb back straps, winter's day), the anticipation of it being exactly what was required and the resounding way in which it proved me right. Blackberry and cassis, cigar box complexity, amplitude, medium body and - the best thing - supple, grainy fruit tannins that held the fruit in a warm and enduring embrace.

The big smile rating has much to do with a) how in the mood I was for this (lamb back straps, winter's day), the anticipation of it being exactly what was required and the resounding way in which it proved me right. Blackberry and cassis, cigar box complexity, amplitude, medium body and - the best thing - supple, grainy fruit tannins that held the fruit in a warm and enduring embrace.

Jul 20th, 2014
Bojan Trivic

AUD 40

AUD 40

Sep 12th, 2020