Wynns

John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

• 

  Vintage 2008
  95 points www.tysonstelzer.com

JR is legendary among Coonawarra cabernets and only recently has it really found its mojo. 2008 is reticent, lurking, with deep black fruits, powerful concentration and oak integration that defines the modern era of JR. Excellent palate completeness, length and line, bringing calm control to its power. 

• 

  Vintage 2008
  94+ points www.winefront.com.au

They''ve been making this since (the stellar) 1982, though it is only produced from the best years. It represents (less than) the top 1 percent of Wynns'' Coonawarra cabernet crop. It''s matured in all French oak - a range of new, one year and two year old - over 22 months. John Riddoch was once a dense, heavy wine - but those days are long gone. It''s now a measured, medium-bodied cabernet in the classical mould. It''s both elegant and fully ripe. It tastes of bright, pure blackcurrant and spunky - almost flashy - creamy/spicy oak. There are notes of violet, olive tapanade and chocolate too and maybe a trace of dust. Tannin is not wrenching or excessive but it builds admirably given exposure to air. Good persistence. Class all over.