St Mary’s Winery – New Release – August 2018
Barry Weinman: 12th August 2018
For more than 100 years, Coonawarra has been famous for its red wines, particularly those made with Cabernet Sauvignon. The region is defined by the strip of Terra Rossa soil that sits over limestone.
Coonawarra lies within the broader Limestone Coast geographic region with the boundaries tightly defined in 2003 following a protracted battle by industry stalwarts on both sides of the boundary. A number of other sub regions sit within the Limestone Coast, including Padthaway, Wrattonbully, Mount Benson and Robe.
Sitting 15km West of Penola, St Mary’s vineyards do not sit in the Coonawarra sub-district of the Limestone Coast, but the vineyards have the same soil composition as its more illustrious neighbour. Like Coonawarra, the winery vineyards are capable of producing high quality red wines, including a surprisingly tasty Pinot Noir.
Reviewed
St Mary’s – Carillon – 2015 (18.3+/20pts – $40). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Lovely bright fruit that shows, mint, eucalypt, menthol and blackcurrant with even a hint of cassis. The fruit on the palate is mouth-filling and balanced, with fine tannins, racy acidity and excellent length. This is a delicious wine that can happily be drunk now, but would benefit from 5 – 10 years in the cellar. Sealed with a good quality natural cork.
St Mary’s – Bells & Whistles – Red Blend – 2014 (17.5/20pts – $18). A great value blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Classic Coonawarra nose, with menthol, eucalypt and bright blueberry fruit. Continues on the palate, where the souring acidity takes hold, keeping the fruit in check. Bright and fruit driven, this is an affordable everyday red that will accompany food well.