Tasted: Riddoch Coonawarra’s 2024 Collection 

Yesterday, Drinks Trade attended this Riddoch Coonawarra’s 2024 collection virtual tasting, hosted by winemaker Matthew Reimann. 

Included in the four wine release are two bottles in the $40 vocation range - a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon - and two bottles in the $65 The Author range - a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Shiraz.

Reflecting on the Collection, Chief Winemaker Tim Heath said: “The Author Cabernet and Shiraz are made from old vine fruit deemed the best of the vintage. They are our peak expression of these top Coonawarra styles and will reward heavily those patient enough to cellar them. With The Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon and The Investor Merlot, we’ve had a lot of fun invoking the varietal and regional personality through blending,”

Drinks Trade staff had the chance to trial the four wine release. This is what the team thought about the wines:

Riddoch The Author Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

“The flagship in the lineup, and it drinks like it. Real journey across the palate, starts with fresh blackberry blueberry, then morphs into plum and oak, dried cassis, spice, florals, cedar. Concentrated and powerful. Full bodied but still with some restraint.”

Riddoch The Author Shiraz 2021

“Starts with a heavy dose of fresh berry fruit on nose and palate - high acid blackberry, blueberry, raspberry - though this hollows and mellows onto the  mid palate. Spice, vanilla and florals overlayed and developing throughout. Strong acid backbone, with surprising freshness.”

Riddoch Vocation The Investor Merlot 2022

“Loads of cherry, rounded plum, supported by berry fruit, dark choc, and subtle oak. Medium bodied, fresh and supple. A real approach and versatile wine.”

Riddoch Vocation The Pastoralist Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

“Manages to maintain a real elegance for what is quite a big and powerful cabernet. Fresh black and blue berry focus, overlaid with plum and subtle wood notes, spice, and slight cocoa. Great freshness from the acid vein." 

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According to Tim Heath, “these are Coonawarra wines at heart, which display an elegant balance of juicy fruit aromas and depth in age. They’re bold and plush and make for a perfect elevated drink.”

Riddoch forms part of Paragon Wine Estates, Endeavour Group’s premium wine portfolio. Also in the portfolio is Cape Mentelle, Chapel Hill, Isabel Estate, Josef Chromy, Krondorf, Oakridge, and Shingleback.