Riddoch Coonawarra The Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

By now, word is out that The Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 took out the International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in England in May. Some media went on to proclaim the wine made by Riddoch Coonawarra which is part of the Endeavour Group, as “best in the world.” This is an over-statement – it was best of the Cabernet wines entered at the IWC – but the win does highlight a mighty smart wine at an equally smart price: $40 a bottle. The Pastoralist embraces Cabernet as it should be embraced, herbaceousness and all. Many winemakers, encouraging drinkers to come over to the Cabernet side and move away from Shiraz, don’t generally like to go there. Here, those alluring herbals are there, not front of centre but sitting tight in notes of cut grass, snow pea, leaf, sage and oregano, interspersed brilliantly throughout deep blackberry fruits, black cherry, blueberry, earth and baking spice. It’s a tight, firm offering, once again, a good Coonawarra Cabernet trait. Oak is slurped up and well-integrated, oak tannins are fine, firm, contributing cherry pip dryness to close. The Pastoralist offers excellent quality for the price and then some more.