This month, one of Australia’s most complete 50-year verticals is going under the hammer

Yesterday, the Redman family put a 50-year complete vertical of its Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon up for auction with Langton’s. Included in the sale is one bottle of every vintage from 1971 to 2021, all of which heralds from the winery’s own cellar. 

“My Grandfather, Owen Redman had the foresight to lay down wine from each vintage of Cabernet produced, a tradition continued by my father, Bruce, and Uncle, Mal,” said Dan Redman, fourth-generation Winemaker.  

“Besides Penfolds Grange, there are not many complete verticals like this that have ever been auctioned in Australia. So, this is a collection showcasing a window of Australian wine history.”

A family-owned wine brand, Redman’s first emerged as a key player in Coonawarra in 1908, however it wasn’t until the late 1960s that it started championing Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Dan Redman said, “with only three winemakers at the helm across five decades of Cabernet Sauvignon production and just two viticulturists tending to the vines, we have an intimate knowledge of our vineyards and Coonawarra's terroir.”

The 50-year complete vertical auction will run until 7pm on 18 August. In addition, some individual bottles, magnums, and an imperial will also be made available, including a 1971 1.5L Magnum Redman Cabernet, 1976 1.5L Redman Cabernet Magnum, 2012 1.5L Redman Cabernet Magnum, 2004 6L Imperial, and 1974 Redman Cabernet Sauvignon. To review listings and place a bid, visit Langton’s auction house here.

“Family-owned wine brands like Redman offer an incredible opportunity to witness the evolution of Australian wine,” said Michael Anderson, Head of Auctions and Secondary Market at Langton’s. 

“This rare collection from the Redman family presents a glimpse into the history of Coonawarra. We don’t see many 50 consecutive-year verticals like this; it’s something special.”

The auction also follows on from a successful one-off 50-year vertical tasting hosted by Redman in July of last year.

“It is a rare opportunity to see how the wines have evolved, showcasing winemaking styles during different climates, and celebrate how beautifully Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon can age," said Dan Redman.

"The wines are an incredible body of work, with some notable stand-out vintages and winemaking notes for each year.”