The Balnaves family are Coonawarra pioneers. Their roots in the district stretch back to 1855. It wasn't until the 1970s however, that Doug and Annette Balnaves decided to trade their former farming life for one that farmed among the vines, planting their first vineyard in 1975. Situated at the southern end of Coonawarra's legendary "Terra Rossa" strip, their small, family-owned estate has become a benchmark for the region. With their children, Pete and Kirsty, now integral to the operation, the family remains deeply committed to a hands-on approach, crafting wines that are a pure and powerful expression of their unique patch of earth.

Coonawarra's global fame is built on two things: Stellar Cabernet Sauvignon and its iconic Terra Rossa soil. This vivid red, iron-rich clay sits atop a bed of ancient limestone, a combination that produces wines of incredible structure, depth, and longevity. Balnaves' winemaking philosophy is centered on capturing the expression of their unique terroir and maximizing complexity and structure in every bottle. Their 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect illustration of this, a wine that showcases the intense fruit, fine tannins, and remarkable balance that have made Coonawarra a household name for wine lovers worldwide.

• Benchmark Coonawarra: This is a quintessential example of Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia's most celebrated region for the variety. Power, elegance, and age-worthiness.

• Terra Rossa Expression: The wine is a deep dive into the region's famous red soil, offering complex notes of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, and savory earth that are the hallmarks of this special terroir.

• Aged to Perfection: With several years of bottle age, this 2016 has entered its prime drinking window. Graceful with heady aromas of a potpourri bowl mixed with dried blackberry and cherry, sweet herbs and florals, all held together by a firm and refined tannic structure.