Wine Article
2020 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon John Riddoch
Last edited on 10/27/2023 by LindsayM
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In 2020, three prime terra rossa soil vineyards were selected for the John Riddoch. The average age of these vines was 29 years
VITICULTURE
Vintage Conditions
To set up the 2020 Coonawarra vintage, good rainfall fell during winter and spring. The terra rossa soil profiles were full for budburst, with some limestone aquifer replacement taking place. Early growing season rainfall from budburst to flowering was moderate, in line with long term average. Despite the good rains, the cold southerly winds at the delicate flowering and set phase were not good for fruit set. Consequently, low yields resulted. Hot weather in December was the exception in an otherwise mild year.
Wine Analysis
Alcohol 13.5%
pH / Acidity / Residual Sugar 3.5pH/6.9/dry (0.3g/L)
Maturation
Oak 17 months in French barriques and hogsheads. 23% new, 45% one year old and 32% two years old.
Colour. Deep red
Nose. Notably lifted and intense aromatics. Black olive, raspberry, dried bayleaf, musky notes/red licorice, blue flower/violets; brambles or crushed raspberry leaf. Initially subdue but opens up gradually.
Palate. Medium bodied with balanced powdery tannins. The fruit will grow into the frame in a short time. Baked Plum cake and gentle spices, light pastry notes, green olive. Rhubarb, roasted cherry flavours are persistent on the palate. The fruit is concentrated but not heavy. A wine of poise and elegance.
The 2020 John Riddoch Cabernet will age gracefully in line with heritage and quality.
VITICULTURE
Vintage Conditions
To set up the 2020 Coonawarra vintage, good rainfall fell during winter and spring. The terra rossa soil profiles were full for budburst, with some limestone aquifer replacement taking place. Early growing season rainfall from budburst to flowering was moderate, in line with long term average. Despite the good rains, the cold southerly winds at the delicate flowering and set phase were not good for fruit set. Consequently, low yields resulted. Hot weather in December was the exception in an otherwise mild year.
Wine Analysis
Alcohol 13.5%
pH / Acidity / Residual Sugar 3.5pH/6.9/dry (0.3g/L)
Maturation
Oak 17 months in French barriques and hogsheads. 23% new, 45% one year old and 32% two years old.
Colour. Deep red
Nose. Notably lifted and intense aromatics. Black olive, raspberry, dried bayleaf, musky notes/red licorice, blue flower/violets; brambles or crushed raspberry leaf. Initially subdue but opens up gradually.
Palate. Medium bodied with balanced powdery tannins. The fruit will grow into the frame in a short time. Baked Plum cake and gentle spices, light pastry notes, green olive. Rhubarb, roasted cherry flavours are persistent on the palate. The fruit is concentrated but not heavy. A wine of poise and elegance.
The 2020 John Riddoch Cabernet will age gracefully in line with heritage and quality.