Ottelia Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

John Innes from Ottelia likes to age his Coonawarra Cabernet before release, which is a good thing. It helps to take the edge off the local acid and tannin backbones making them approachable from day 1. But don’t take approachable to mean they are not serious wines – there is plenty to like here.

It’s deeply coloured with attractive purity of bright and youthful fruits showcasing that classic Coonawarra elegance. Cassis and leafy aromas are well supported by cedary oak. But it is on the palate where this wine really comes to life with beautifully balanced fruit and vibrant acidity supported by well integrated chalky tannins. It is a lovely cabernet that will grow in the bottle.