Australia

Vineyards of Australia: Regions and Their Wine Particularities

Australia's wine regions are vast and diverse, each offering unique styles, terroirs, and varieties. Below is a comprehensive guide to Australia's notable wine regions, ranked by importance and with detailed information on their wines, terroir, and tasting notes.

Barossa vineyard

South Australia / Barossa Vineyard

1. Barossa Valley (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Shiraz: Rich and bold, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice.
Grenache: Fruity with red berries, cherry, and a hint of spice.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied, with blackcurrant, tobacco, and oak notes.

Terroir Notes:

The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. It benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate and has **ancient sandy loam and clay soils** that contribute to bold and full-bodied wines, especially **Shiraz**. Barossa's old vines also give its wines a distinctive depth and intensity.

General Tasting Notes:

Shiraz: Full-bodied, with rich blackberry, plum, and black pepper flavors, complemented by toasty oak and smooth tannins.
Grenache: Medium-bodied with bright red fruit, floral aromas, and a touch of spice, with soft tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and full-bodied, with blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco notes, often with a firm tannic structure.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Penfolds (Barossa Valley): Known for **Shiraz** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Shiraz with blackberries, dark chocolate, and spice, with a long, velvety finish.
Torbreck Vintners (Barossa Valley): Famous for **Shiraz** and **Grenache**. Tasting Note: Grenache with red fruit, floral notes, and a touch of spice.
Henschke (Barossa Valley): Known for its legendary **Hill of Grace Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Rich Shiraz with plum, blackberry, and a hint of earthiness, balanced by fine tannins.

Margaret river vineyard

Western Australia / Margaret River Vineyard

2. Margaret River (Western Australia)

Notable Wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and full-bodied with blackcurrant, cedar, and mint.
Chardonnay: Rich and complex with tropical fruit, citrus, and creamy oak flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon: Fresh, zesty, and vibrant with citrus and grassy notes.

Terroir Notes:

Margaret River enjoys a **Mediterranean climate** and is close to the coast, which provides cooling breezes. Its **gravelly, loamy soils** are ideal for producing premium **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Chardonnay**, both of which have become the region's flagship varieties.

General Tasting Notes:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrant, mint, and cedar, with structured tannins and a long finish.
Chardonnay: Full-bodied with tropical fruit, citrus, and creamy oak flavors, balanced by fresh acidity.
Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon: Zesty and fresh with flavors of citrus, passionfruit, and grassy notes, balanced by vibrant acidity.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Vasse Felix (Margaret River): Known for **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Cabernet Sauvignon with blackcurrant, mint, and a long, structured finish.
Leeuwin Estate (Margaret River): Famous for **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with tropical fruit, citrus, and creamy oak flavors, finishing with vibrant acidity.
Cape Mentelle (Margaret River): Specializes in **Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon** blends. Tasting Note: Sauvignon Blanc with citrus, passionfruit, and a refreshing finish.

McLaren Vale Vineyards

South Australia / McLaren Vale Vineyards

3. McLaren Vale (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Shiraz: Rich and full-bodied with dark fruit, chocolate, and earthy notes.
Grenache: Light, fruity, with red berries and spice.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured with blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco notes.

Terroir Notes:

McLaren Vale benefits from a **Mediterranean climate** due to its proximity to the ocean. Its soils range from **ironstone and clay to loamy sands**, allowing for the production of rich, full-bodied wines, particularly **Shiraz** and **Grenache**.

General Tasting Notes:

Shiraz: Full-bodied with rich flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and a touch of earth, with firm tannins and a long finish.
Grenache: Light to medium-bodied with flavors of red berries, cherry, and spice, with a soft, fruity finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco, and structured tannins.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

d'Arenberg (McLaren Vale): Known for **Shiraz** and **Grenache**. Tasting Note: Shiraz with blackberry, dark chocolate, and earthy undertones.
Clarendon Hills (McLaren Vale): Famous for **Shiraz** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Shiraz with rich blackberry, dark fruit, and smooth tannins.
Wirra Wirra (McLaren Vale): Specializes in **Shiraz** and **Grenache**. Tasting Note: Grenache with bright red fruit, floral notes, and a soft, elegant finish.

4. Hunter Valley (New South Wales)

Notable Wines:

Semillon: Crisp, citrusy, and capable of aging into complex, honeyed wines.
Shiraz: Medium-bodied with red fruit, spice, and earthy tones.
Chardonnay: Fresh, with stone fruit, citrus, and subtle oak.

Terroir Notes:

The Hunter Valley is known for its **warm climate** and **loamy clay soils**. Despite the warmth, the region produces wines with great freshness and acidity, especially its **Semillon**, which is known for developing complex flavors over time.

General Tasting Notes:

Semillon: Crisp and light with flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple, often developing honeyed and toasty notes with age.
Shiraz: Medium-bodied with flavors of red berries, spice, and a touch of earth, with soft tannins and a smooth finish.
Chardonnay: Fresh and crisp with flavors of peach, citrus, and subtle oak, balanced by good acidity.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Tyrrell's Wines (Hunter Valley): Known for **Semillon** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Semillon with bright lemon zest and vibrant acidity, developing honeyed complexity with age.
Brokenwood Wines (Hunter Valley): Famous for **Shiraz** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Shiraz with red berries, spice, and soft tannins, finishing smoothly.
Mount Pleasant (Hunter Valley): Specializes in **Semillon** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Semillon with bright citrus, minerality, and a crisp, fresh finish.

5. Yarra Valley (Victoria)

Notable Wines:

Pinot Noir: Elegant, with red cherry, raspberry, and earthy notes.
Chardonnay: Crisp and mineral-driven, with citrus and stone fruit flavors.
Sparkling Wine: Zesty and fresh, with citrus and apple notes.

Terroir Notes:

Yarra Valley is famous for its **cool climate**, which is ideal for growing **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**. The region has **volcanic soils** and **alluvial deposits**, which contribute to the elegance and complexity of its wines.

General Tasting Notes:

Pinot Noir: Light to medium-bodied with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and a touch of earth, with fine tannins and a smooth finish.
Chardonnay: Crisp and fresh, with flavors of lemon, apple, and a mineral edge, balanced by subtle oak.
Sparkling Wine: Zesty and vibrant with flavors of lemon, green apple, and brioche, with fine bubbles.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Yarra Yering (Yarra Valley): Known for **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Pinot Noir with red cherry, raspberry, and a hint of earth, finishing with fine tannins.
Oakridge Wines (Yarra Valley): Famous for **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with lemon zest, peach, and a crisp, mineral-driven finish.
De Bortoli (Yarra Valley): Specializes in **Pinot Noir** and **Sparkling Wine**. Tasting Note: Sparkling Wine with bright citrus, apple, and a touch of brioche.

6. Coonawarra (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Elegant, with blackcurrant, mint, and cedar notes.
Shiraz: Rich and spicy, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and pepper.
Merlot: Soft and fruity, with red berries, plum, and spice.

Terroir Notes:

Coonawarra is renowned for its **terra rossa soils** (red clay over limestone), which are perfect for growing **Cabernet Sauvignon**. The region’s **cool maritime climate** provides a long growing season, allowing the grapes to develop complex flavors and maintain good acidity.

General Tasting Notes:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Elegant and medium to full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrant, mint, and cedar, supported by firm tannins.
Shiraz: Full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, dark plum, and a hint of pepper, often with a long, spicy finish.
Merlot: Soft and fruity with flavors of red berries, plum, and a touch of spice, with a smooth, easy-drinking texture.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Wynns Coonawarra Estate (Coonawarra): Known for **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Cabernet with blackcurrant, mint, and cedar, balanced by firm tannins and a long finish.
Balnaves of Coonawarra (Coonawarra): Famous for **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Shiraz with blackberry, dark chocolate, and peppery spice.
Majella Wines (Coonawarra): Specializes in **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Cabernet Sauvignon with blackcurrant, mint, and cedar, with fine tannins.

7. Clare Valley (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Riesling: Crisp and zesty, with citrus, green apple, and mineral notes.
Shiraz: Full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured, with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins.

Terroir Notes:

Clare Valley is best known for its **Riesling**, which thrives in the region’s **cool climate** and **limestone soils**. The region’s warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines with bright acidity and fresh flavors.

General Tasting Notes:

Riesling: Crisp and refreshing with flavors of lime, green apple, and a touch of minerality, often with a long, zesty finish.
Shiraz: Full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, with smooth tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and full-bodied with blackcurrant, mint, and firm tannins.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Jim Barry Wines (Clare Valley): Known for **Riesling** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Riesling with lime, green apple, and vibrant acidity.
Grosset Wines (Clare Valley): Famous for **Riesling**. Tasting Note: Riesling with citrus, minerality, and a long, zesty finish.
Wakefield Wines (Clare Valley): Specializes in **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Cabernet with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins.

Adelaide Hills Vineyard

South Australia / Adelaide Hills

8. Adelaide Hills (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Chardonnay: Crisp and mineral-driven with citrus and stone fruit flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc: Aromatic and zesty with tropical fruit and grassy notes.
Pinot Noir: Light-bodied with red fruit, earth, and spice.

Terroir Notes:

Adelaide Hills is known for its **cool climate**, which is perfect for producing **Chardonnay**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, and **Pinot Noir**. The region’s **gravelly soils** and high altitude contribute to the crisp acidity and freshness of the wines.

General Tasting Notes:

Chardonnay: Crisp and fresh with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality, often with subtle oak influence.
Sauvignon Blanc: Aromatic with tropical fruit, grassy notes, and zesty acidity, with a refreshing finish.
Pinot Noir: Light-bodied with flavors of red berries, earth, and spice, with soft tannins and bright acidity.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Shaw + Smith (Adelaide Hills): Known for **Sauvignon Blanc** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Sauvignon Blanc with passionfruit, lime, and a crisp finish.
Bird in Hand (Adelaide Hills): Famous for **Chardonnay** and **Pinot Noir**. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with citrus, green apple, and a mineral-driven finish.
Petaluma Wines (Adelaide Hills): Specializes in **Chardonnay** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with stone fruit, citrus, and a creamy texture.

9. Mornington Peninsula (Victoria)

Notable Wines:

Pinot Noir: Elegant and fruit-driven with red berry, plum, and spice flavors.
Chardonnay: Crisp and minerally with stone fruit, citrus, and a creamy texture.
Sparkling Wine: Fresh and zesty with citrus and green apple notes.

Terroir Notes:

Mornington Peninsula is known for its **cool maritime climate** and **red volcanic and sandy soils**. The region’s proximity to the sea gives the wines natural acidity and minerality, especially in **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**.

General Tasting Notes:

Pinot Noir: Light to medium-bodied with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and spice, with fine tannins and fresh acidity.
Chardonnay: Crisp with flavors of peach, citrus, and a creamy texture, balanced by minerality.
Sparkling Wine: Bright and zesty with flavors of citrus, green apple, and brioche, with fine bubbles.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Ten Minutes by Tractor (Mornington Peninsula): Known for **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Pinot Noir with red berries, spice, and fine tannins, finishing long and fresh.
Paringa Estate (Mornington Peninsula): Famous for **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with stone fruit, citrus, and a creamy finish.
Quealy Winemakers (Mornington Peninsula): Specializes in **Pinot Noir** and **Pinot Gris**. Tasting Note: Pinot Noir with raspberry, red cherry, and a touch of spice, with soft tannins.

10. Tasmania

Notable Wines:

Pinot Noir: Elegant with red cherry, raspberry, and spice.
Sparkling Wine: Crisp, with flavors of citrus, apple, and brioche.
Chardonnay: Fresh, with citrus, green apple, and minerality.

Terroir Notes:

Tasmania has a **cool maritime climate** and **sandy loam soils** that are perfect for producing **Pinot Noir**, **Chardonnay**, and **Sparkling Wines**. The island's cool temperatures ensure wines with crisp acidity and fresh, vibrant flavors.

General Tasting Notes:

Pinot Noir: Light to medium-bodied with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and a hint of spice, with fine tannins.
Sparkling Wine: Zesty and fresh with flavors of lemon, green apple, and brioche, with fine bubbles.
Chardonnay: Crisp and fresh, with citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Jansz Tasmania (Tasmania): Known for **Sparkling Wine**. Tasting Note: Sparkling Wine with lemon, green apple, and a creamy brioche finish.
Pipers Brook Vineyard (Tasmania): Famous for **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Pinot Noir with red cherry, raspberry, and a hint of spice.
Bay of Fires (Tasmania): Specializes in **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with citrus, green apple, and minerality.

11. Geelong (Victoria)

Notable Wines:

Pinot Noir: Light to medium-bodied with red fruit, floral aromas, and earthiness.
Chardonnay: Mineral-driven with bright citrus and apple flavors, often with subtle oak influence.

Terroir Notes:

Geelong benefits from a cool maritime climate due to its proximity to Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Strait. The soils are a mix of volcanic clay, sandstone, and limestone, contributing to the crispness and structure of its wines.

General Tasting Notes:

Pinot Noir: Light to medium-bodied with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and a touch of earth, often with a smooth, refined texture.
Chardonnay: Crisp and refreshing, with citrus, green apple, and a mineral edge, balanced by subtle oak.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Bannockburn Vineyards (Geelong): Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Tasting Note: Bright cherry, red fruit, and floral notes in the Pinot Noir, with an elegant finish.
Lethbridge Wines (Geelong): Specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with citrus, green apple, and a creamy, mineral-driven finish.
Scotchmans Hill (Geelong): Known for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Tasting Note: Light, elegant Pinot Noir with red berry and earth, balanced by silky tannins.

12. Heathcote (Victoria)

Notable Wines:

Shiraz: Full-bodied, rich, and powerful with dark fruit and spice.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured, with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins.

Terroir Notes:

Heathcote is known for its unique Cambrian soils, which are rich in minerals and help produce deeply concentrated wines. The region enjoys a continental climate, with warm days and cool nights, allowing for optimal ripening.

General Tasting Notes:

Shiraz: Bold and rich with flavors of blackberry, plum, and pepper, often accompanied by firm tannins and a long finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrant, mint, and fine-grained tannins.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Jasper Hill (Heathcote): Known for its powerful Shiraz. Tasting Note: Blackberry, blackcurrant, and pepper, with fine tannins and a long, structured finish.
Heathcote Estate (Heathcote): Specializes in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting Note: Rich Shiraz with dark fruit, spice, and firm tannins.
Greenstone Vineyards (Heathcote): Famous for Shiraz and Sangiovese. Tasting Note: Elegant Shiraz with black plum, pepper, and a smooth finish.

13. Goulburn Valley (Victoria)

Notable Wines:

Shiraz: Rich and full-bodied with flavors of black fruit, spice, and earth.
Marsanne: The region is particularly known for its unique expression of Marsanne, a white Rhone variety.

Terroir Notes:

Goulburn Valley enjoys a warm continental climate, perfect for producing ripe, full-bodied wines. The soils vary but are generally sandy loam and granite, contributing to the wines' balance and structure.

General Tasting Notes:

Shiraz: Full-bodied with dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, often with earthy undertones and a touch of spice.
Marsanne: Crisp and refreshing when young, with flavors of citrus and pear, developing into richer, honeyed tones with age.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Tahbilk (Goulburn Valley): Known for its Shiraz and Marsanne. Tasting Note: Rich Shiraz with black fruit, earth, and spice, while Marsanne is fresh and citrusy in its youth, developing honeyed and nutty complexity with age.
Mitchelton Wines (Goulburn Valley): Specializes in Shiraz and Riesling. Tasting Note: Bold Shiraz with blackberry, plum, and spice, balanced by fine tannins.
Longleat Wines (Goulburn Valley): Known for Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting Note: Rich Shiraz with ripe blackberry, black pepper, and a touch of earthy complexity.

14. Canberra District (New South Wales / Australian Capital Territory)

Notable Wines:

Shiraz/Viognier blends: Bold Shiraz with floral and aromatic Viognier.
Riesling: Crisp and zesty, with citrus and mineral flavors.

Terroir Notes:

Canberra District benefits from a **cool-climate** and high altitudes (300–800 meters). The soils here are primarily **granite and sandy loam**, contributing to the structure and acidity of the wines. The region is known for elegant, complex wines with great aging potential.

General Tasting Notes:

Shiraz/Viognier: Medium-bodied with bright red and dark fruit, floral aromas from Viognier, and peppery spice from Shiraz.
Riesling: Crisp and vibrant, with flavors of lime, green apple, and a minerally finish.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Clonakilla (Canberra District): Famous for its **Shiraz Viognier** blend. Tasting Note: Aromas of red berries and violets, with a peppery, spicy finish and silky tannins.
Helm Wines (Canberra District): Known for its **Riesling**. Tasting Note: Fresh lime and lemon zest, with crisp acidity and a vibrant, mineral finish.
Lark Hill Winery (Canberra District): Specializes in **Riesling** and **Pinot Noir**. Tasting Note: Pinot Noir with red berries, earth, and fine tannins, balanced by bright acidity.

15. Orange (New South Wales)

Notable Wines:

Chardonnay: Crisp, with flavors of citrus, white peach, and minerality.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured with dark fruit, herbs, and fine tannins.

Terroir Notes:

Orange is one of Australia's highest-altitude wine regions, with vineyards located between 600 and over 1,000 meters. The region’s **volcanic basalt** and **clay soils** contribute to the freshness and minerality in the wines, while the cool climate ensures slow ripening and balance.

General Tasting Notes:

Chardonnay: Crisp and zesty with flavors of citrus, white peach, and a minerally backbone, often with subtle oak influence.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with dark berry flavors, herbal notes, and firm tannins, providing structure and aging potential.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Philip Shaw Wines (Orange): Known for **Chardonnay** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Chardonnay with citrus, peach, and a mineral-driven finish, balanced by subtle oak.
De Salis Wines (Orange): Specializes in **Pinot Noir** and **Chardonnay**. Tasting Note: Pinot Noir with cherry, strawberry, and spice, with a silky texture.
Ross Hill Wines (Orange): Known for **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Merlot**. Tasting Note: Cabernet with blackberry, plum, and herbal notes, with a firm, structured finish.

16. Padthaway (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Chardonnay: Fruit-driven with tropical fruit, citrus, and melon.
Shiraz: Full-bodied, rich with dark fruit and spice.

Terroir Notes:

Padthaway enjoys a **Mediterranean climate** with moderate temperatures, ideal for growing **full-bodied red wines**. The region’s soils are primarily **limestone and sandy loam**, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the mineral-driven style of the wines.

General Tasting Notes:

Chardonnay: Ripe tropical fruit flavors, such as melon and pineapple, balanced by citrus and a smooth, creamy texture.
Shiraz: Bold and fruit-forward with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice, complemented by soft tannins.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Henry's Drive (Padthaway): Known for **Shiraz** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Bold Shiraz with blackberry, plum, and spicy pepper, with a rich, full-bodied finish.
Padthaway Estate (Padthaway): Specializes in **Chardonnay** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Tropical fruit-driven Chardonnay with pineapple, melon, and a smooth finish.
Morambro Creek (Padthaway): Known for **Shiraz** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Rich Shiraz with dark fruit, pepper, and soft tannins.

17. Langhorne Creek (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Rich and structured with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins.
Shiraz: Full-bodied with dark fruit, spice, and smooth tannins.

Terroir Notes:

Langhorne Creek enjoys a **cool maritime climate**, moderated by **Lake Alexandrina** and the Southern Ocean. The soils are predominantly **alluvial and sandy loam**, contributing to the smooth tannins and balanced acidity in the wines.

General Tasting Notes:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrant, mint, and earthy tones, balanced by fine tannins and a long finish.
Shiraz: Rich and bold with flavors of dark fruit, plum, and pepper, complemented by smooth tannins.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Bremerton Wines (Langhorne Creek): Known for **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Rich Cabernet with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins, with a long, elegant finish.
Lake Breeze Wines (Langhorne Creek): Specializes in **Shiraz** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Bold Shiraz with blackberry, plum, and pepper, balanced by soft tannins.
Bleasdale Vineyards (Langhorne Creek): Known for **Shiraz** and **Cabernet Franc**. Tasting Note: Elegant Cabernet with dark fruit, herbal notes, and fine tannins.

18. Wrattonbully (South Australia)

Notable Wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its intense black fruit and herbaceous qualities.
Merlot: Soft and fruit-forward with plum, blackberry, and smooth tannins.

Terroir Notes:

Wrattonbully is located near Coonawarra and shares the famous **terra rossa soils** (red clay over limestone), which are ideal for growing **Cabernet Sauvignon**. The cool maritime climate allows for long ripening periods, producing wines with great structure and aging potential.

General Tasting Notes:

Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied with flavors of blackcurrant, mint, and a touch of cedar, with firm tannins and a long finish.
Merlot: Soft and velvety with flavors of plum, blackberry, and subtle spice, with a smooth, easy-drinking texture.

Notable Estates and Tasting Notes:

Tapanappa (Wrattonbully): Known for **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Merlot**. Tasting Note: Rich Cabernet with blackcurrant, mint, and earthy complexity, balanced by fine tannins.
Terre à Terre (Wrattonbully): Specializes in **Cabernet Sauvignon** and **Shiraz**. Tasting Note: Bold Cabernet with blackberry, plum, and firm tannins.
Smith & Hooper (Wrattonbully): Known for **Merlot** and **Cabernet Sauvignon**. Tasting Note: Soft Merlot with plum, blackberry, and a smooth, fruit-forward finish.