Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Black Label 2010

Winery: Wynns Coonawarra Estate

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

There is little doubt about the fact that the most familiar red wine grape varietal in the world is the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, seen listed on bottles from more or less every single wine producing country across the globe. Part of the reason for this is the fact that Cabernet Sauvignon is a particularly hardy grape, resistant to both frost and rot, and can grow well in a number of climatic conditions so long as it receives enough sunlight and water. Of course, this is only half the story – we cannot ignore the fact that wines made from the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal are prized not only for their strong acidic fruit flavors, spicy and earthy notes and high tannin content, but also for the fact that they age beautifully in oak, resulting in wines which are on another level from those made from lesser grapes. Aged wines made using primarily Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are widely recognized to be the finest in the world. The aging process rounds out the tannins, softens the acidity and allows a wide range of fascinating and complex flavors and aromas to come through, making them an unquestioned highlight of the red wine world.

Region: Limestone Coast

Of all the wine regions of Australia, perhaps the most well known and highly regarded is the Limestone Coast, situated in the south-eastern part of the country, close to the border of Victoria. Here, the exceptional climatic conditions produce grapes of stunning ripeness and flavor, and result in wines which are perfectly grown for expressing the finer features of their mineral rich terroir. Warm sunshine meets cooling oceanic breezes to slowly ripen the grapes, and vintners have long had great successes with a wide range of varietals on the Limestone Coast. From superb Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines, to delicate and flavorful Viognier and Chardonnay wines, this region provides up to a third of Australia's wine, and is finding new fans each year.

Country: Australia

Whilst every Australian state has some level of wine production, it is in South Australia and on the island of Tasmania where the finest wines are made to the highest quantities. Here, the scorching Australian sun is a little tamer, and the heat is tempered by brisk oceanic winds, making the climate of these regions ideal for vineyard cultivation. The Tamar Valley on Tasmania has been making waves internationally in recent years, as both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varietals are thriving there and resulting in hugely flavorful wines, which are at once distinctly Australian, yet remain unique and interesting enough to surprise and impress. Elsewhere in the country, the Syrah grape (known locally as Shiraz) reigns supreme, as the long, hot summers allow these grapes to ripen fully and lend their intensely fruit-forward character to the ruby red Australian wines, which have such international appeal.