Redman Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

May 11, 2015

It feels a bit rude drinking Redman wines at such a young age. The Redman family wines really need 5 years (minimum) to hit top gear.

This looks an unusual wine for Redman though. Dark red, despite the modest 13.7% alcohol it smells unusually alcoholic, with a suggestion of just a little raisining. The palate is dry, warm and thick set with a slightly dessicated black and red fruit character, thick cut tannins and a warm, uneven finish.

Unusually ripe and rich for Redman, this could almost be Barossa Cab with its downplayed varietal and regional signature. There’s some Coonawarra mint on the finish but otherwise a bit of an anomaly of a wine. Admittedly it’s going to get better (going on Redman history) but I wasn’t much of a fan of this.

Details: 13.7%, Screwcap, $27. Tasted: May 2015 (sample). Best drinking: 2018-2026. Score: 16/20, 87/100+. Would I buy it? No.
Buy online: Redman website

2012, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra

Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.

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3 responses to “Redman Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2012”

Sanjay

May 11, 2015 at 12:55 pm

Yet another Coonawarra disappointment … a region that was a staple when I was getting into wine and now I don't know anyone who buys/drinks Coonawarra Cab. I don't – still have a few cellared … 1999 John Riddoch + 04 Wynns Black Label in the last month have been very enjoyable and pleased I have a few more of each.

Seems to lack new/progressive winemakers/winemaking which exist in the rest of SA – Barossa, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills.

Reply
1. Andrew Graham
  
  May 11, 2015 at 1:38 pm
  
  Ah Coonawarra. I wrote a big article a few years back about making Coonawarra sexy, as there is some innovation out there (shout out to Steve Raidis and Sue Bell amongst others) but there is much more to go.
  
  The top Wynns, however, really are that good. The best from Coonawarra is that good. But lots of disappointments too
  
  Reply
2. Sanjay
  
  May 12, 2015 at 1:37 pm
  
  Don't know about Raidis other than a few reviews on here. Sue Bell sources from outside Coonawarra too. Part of the problem could be that much of the best land/red dirt is tied up by a few big companies .. maybe hard to break in or buy grapes??
  
  Reply