Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Review – Fruit in Reserve, Structure in Focus
We opened the Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 expecting restraint and classic Coonawarra structure. That’s exactly what it delivered. A firm, oak-led Cabernet that never fully lets go, yet it hints at hidden fruit when the setting is right. With the right food, especially spicy dishes, it begins to unfold.
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Vintage: |
2018 |
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Region: |
Coonawarra, South Australia |
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Varietal: |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
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ABV: |
13.7% |
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RRP: |
~ $28–$35 AUD |
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Format: |
750mL |
Appearance
Deep and inky through the core, leaning dark purple in low light and softening to a rich ruby at the rim. In sunlight, it glows with restrained vibrancy. Clarity is excellent with no haze or sediment. Legs form slowly and fall at a medium pace, hinting at structure and balance rather than weight.
Aroma / Nose
Initial aromas are subdued, with a faint hint of oak. A swirl brings more definition: dark berries, mulberry, and cassis rise gently alongside the oak, with no sharp alcohol. There’s composure here. Nothing loud, just a suggestion of depth if you lean in.
Palate / Taste
Dry oak leads confidently, supported by firm tannins that grip the gums and cheeks. It’s rigid without being harsh, framed rather than aggressive. The fruit shows up quietly. Plum and dark berry tones appear on the swallow as more of a presence than a flavour burst.
Finish
The wine finishes dry and structured, with tannins lingering more than fruit. As the mouth resets, a gentle afterglow of plum remains. It is soft and reserved, like something remembered rather than declared. This is a Cabernet that leaves impression more than expression.
Food Pairing
We paired the 2018 Wynns Cabernet with a mix of cheese, light meats, and spreads to test how its dry structure might react at the table. The wine held firm, but certain combinations drew surprising nuance.
Edam: Reveals slight softness and a mild sweetness after the first mouthful, but the wine remains fundamentally dry and tannin-forward.
Red Leicester with Habanero: Introduces a touch of sweetness, then amplifies the spice—drawing out some hidden fruit as the heat builds.
Turkey Breast: Offers a flicker of sweetness before oak and tannin close in.
Hummus with Caramelised Onion: Brings structure forward, placing oak and dryness at the front of the mouth.
Tzatziki: Surprises with a small lift of fruit, though never sweet. The wine stays savoury and grounded.
Spice seemed to be the key. Livelier flavours brought out more of the wine’s buried fruit. With that in mind, a dish like Thai beef salad or chilli-spiced lamb might open up the glass further.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
This is a wine that rewards focus and structured food pairing. It is savoury, dry, and unyielding at first. But in the right setting, with a hint of spice or heat, the reserved fruit finally emerges.
Would we drink it again? With the right food, yes, especially something with spice.
Would we cellar it? Yes. Its structure suggests more fruit may reveal itself over time.
Was it worth opening? For its composure and conversation, it was.
Quietly firm, with fruit that answers only when called.
Editor’s Note
This review was shaped over an evening of casual pairings, shifting light, and evolving impressions. We tasted it without decanting, letting the glass unfold at its own pace. While no bold fruit emerged early, spice and food coaxed out its more nuanced side. This is not a wine built for immediate charm. For those who appreciate structure, it holds its place.
–Adrian – Editor at All That Is Cool
Please drink responsibly.
All alcohol reviews on All That Is Cool are intended for audiences aged 18+. We support mindful, moderate consumption and only feature bottles we’ve personally tasted and evaluated.
