WTN: Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon 1988

This Coonawarra icon has delivered its fair share of stunners as well as a few disappointments along the way, but here the secret lies in the fact this, like so many good Bordeaux's, from a good vintage, is a minimum twenty-year-wine. And twenty is when I like to start drinking them! Keep this in mind if you see any floating around the traps but do your utmost (as I did in this case) to ensure the wine has been well stored.

Harbours a mature deep brick red colour with ample brown to the meniscus. The bouquet reeks of mature Cabernet - sandalwood, lead pencil, old books, cigar box, cedar and "Coonawarra mint" (not really mint as in the purest herbal sense but a rare regional blend comprising of a blend of eucalypt and peppermint with a sneaky herby/weedy tweak) with some very decent blackcurrant undertones that provide a fascinating counterbalance for everything sitting atop. The palate steps up a notch or two in that it tastes younger and fresher with abundant acidity providing spark and lift, wonderful purity of Cabernet flavour with a robust French oak backing, some seriously firm grippy tannins and an interminably long, wonderfully good finish. An Otto wine if ever there was one. No gobbly-gook-edness here and as far from being spoofulated as I can guess. I'd rate this around 91 just at the minute and when the tannin softens in several years could render a slightly higher call. The 12.3 A/V is an absolute godsend for me. Long live the wines that need time to get better and better!

[Jenise]

I owned an 88 once. Nice to read what it would have, could have, turned into. The other vintage I had is gone too--92? Guess I'm guilty of never having enough really old wine to let the ones that should age get all the way there.

David, thanks for the note. I remember you have before recommended this producer to me also. Must find some - though it is highly unlikely that I'll see such an old bottle of it here...

David,
Any words of wisdom about the '98?
Charles

Nice note.

So I only have a few years to wait before I can drink my 1991 and 1994........

David,
Any words of wisdom about the '98?
Charles

Charles
Mine are locked away in their case along with a bottle of the 96. Might try one in 5 years or so time, but I've not tasted either since release. As I often like significant age in wines, I'm leaving these wines be for a while.
regards
Ian

I have some '98 resting comfortably. I have not tasted it in maybe 4 years, but I do remember that sandalwood and Coonawarra mint David so aptly cited. I may check in on it a bit sooner than 5 years, but might live to regret that (so Charles should continue to age any that he has for me!).

-Michael

I've only tasted one botlle, about 2.5 yrs ago, and wrote the note that follows. Since my cellar is passive (-aggressive), I'll probably try another in 2010. Perhaps Michael will be good enough to remind me.
Charles


1998 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release John Riddoch - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Coonawarra (1/1/2006)
Like a Wynn's Black label Coonawarra Cab except more of everything. Delicious ripe but not overripe cassis fruit, quite primary still but with enough acid and dusty tannins to provide years of positive evolution. No mistaking it for Bordeaux, at least not what I favor, but its size is all in balance.

David,
Any words of wisdom about the '98?
Charles

Charles,

I bought a few of these at release for 50 bucks. I haven't tried any but would suggest my twenty year rule would apply to this vintage. It was particurlarly successful but a few of the Coonawarra's have been looking a trifle forward of late but in the case of the Riddoch I would severely doubt it. I'm earmarking the first of mine to be opened in 2013 and just go from there.

Thanks David, and others.
Charles

Glad for your note David. I like the Wynn's Black Label Coonawarra Cab and only have one bottle of a John Riddoch (more recent vintage than these notes) so will duly store it away for some years to come.