The magic of masterclasses

Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations continue to hit the high notes

In what is an entire month dedicated to celebrating Coonawarra Cabernet, visitors to the Coonawarra Wine Region have already been treated to a myriad of events.

Earlier this month the was barrel loads on offer to ‘celebrate, educate and activate the senses’, from sparkling cabernet at Balnaves of Coonawarra to an afternoon of ‘Burgers and Beats’ at Brand’s Laira Coonawarra, a decade of Cabernet tasting at Majella Wines to a VIP wine dinner at Katnook Estate.

Among the events, the iconic Coonawarra Cabernet Masterclass, was held in the historic Wynn’s Coonawarra Gables building led by Langton’s wine ambassador, Ned Goodwin Master of Wine, who spoke to a sold out audience.

“It is an immense privilege to be able to taste the wines we have on show today,” Mr Goodwin said. “2019 is heralded as an exceptional vintage around the world and in the majority of cases, these wines are yet to have been officially released to consumers.”

Mr Goodwin MW was joined by Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate winemaker Sarah Pidgeon as co- presenter of the masterclass who recently returned from Europe showcasing Wynns Coonawarra’s new release wines.

“There is great excitement around the 2019 vintage around the world,” Ms Pidgeon said. “The anticipation of the quality coming from all of the great wine making regions is real.”

The 2019 Vintage was the theme of the Cabernet Masterclass, with 50 attendees reviewing, tasting and examining 12 wines ranging in age and price from $30-$600 per bottle, from across the globe.

The international contingent was made up of a selection of highly regarded wine houses from renowned cabernet producing regions; Bordeaux – France, Napa Valley – California USA, Hawkes Bay – New Zealand, Bolgheri – Italy, Stellenbosch – South Africa and Maipo Valley – Chile.

Of the 12 cabernets that featured in the line up, six were produced in Coonawarra and hold the esteemed Langton’s classification, with five of the winemakers present in room to provide comment on their respective wine.

Winemaker Doug Bowen spoke to the 2019 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon being tasted.

“I am very pleased with this vintage,” he said. “At Bowen Estate our style reflects our commitment to producing 100% estate grown fruit from our unique trellised vines, maintaining a reputation for producing consistent quality wine year in year out. We seek finely woven tannins in a medium bodied wine that has layers of classic Coonawarra flavour. This has plenty of year’s ahead of it and should age wonderfully.”

In assessing the wines in the line up Mr Goodwin emphasised how important viticulture management is in translating into quality tannins. Wynns viticulturist Ben Harris was on hand to provide an overview of the conditions of the 2019 growing season.

“A warm spring in 2018 set up well for great flowering,” Mr Harris said. “2019 delivered an even growing season in Coonawarra, with very even flowering and long-even growing season. All in all, it was a cool, dry vintage, which has made for ideal ripening conditions,” Mr Harris said. A highlight of the tasting line up was undoubtedly the 2019 Ducru- Beaucaillou 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien which was flown in by Langton’s especially for the masterclass event.

“This is the first group of consumers to taste this wine in Australia – pre release and pre sale. It is not expected to hit the market until 2023”.

Visiting international Limestone Coast Wine Judge, Master of Wine and Editor of Gourmet Traveller in New Zealand, Jane Skilton MW, applauded the authenticity of the event and the generosity of Coonawarra’s winemakers.

“The line up of wines we are tasting here is truly superb and plentiful,” Ms Skilton said. “This is one the of the best tastings I have been to in recent times. The generosity and honesty of the conversation from winemakers in the room is truly remarkable, and immensely valuable and should be commended”.

Long time Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Festival attendee and masterclass participant Malcom Short praised the organisers for the exceptional delivery of the event.

“I’ve been to many masterclasses in my time, but the Coonawarra masterclass would have to be the one of the best,” Mr Short said. “There is a reason I come year upon year – it is second to none. It’s a standout event in my books, and it has certainly not disappointed.”

Coonawarra Vignerons executive officer Ockert Le Roux said it was evident that the six Coonawarra wines stood up against best in the world in this tasting.

“Although still in their infancy, they already carry the hallmark of their great ageing capability and in another decade from today they will show why Coonawarra is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon” said Mr Le Roux.

TASTING THE BEST: (Above) Limestone Coast Wine Show Judge Jane Skilton MW, joins Masterclass presenters Sarah Pidgeon and Ned Goodwin MV in front of the line up of International and Coonawarra Cabernets from the 2019 Vintage.

RARE TASTING OPPORTUNITY: (Left) Limestone Coast locals Mitch a& Leonie Williams were among the 50 participants at the esteemed masterclass event at Wynns Coonawarra Estate.