Coonawarra lies on a large flat coastal plain, 230 miles (370km) south of Adelaide and 35 miles (56km) from the Great Southern Ocean to the southwest. Petaluma has two vineyards in the region, in its Sharefarmers and Evans vineyards.
Due to heat summation, Coonawarra is ideally suited to the Bordeaux varieties and is one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon regions with wines having uniquely fine-grained tannins. The climate is dominated by the cool winds from the ocean and is moderately maritime despite being influenced by the hot air of the flat plains to the north during summer. The fabulous Terra Rossa red soil family of the Coonawarra ridge has been formed on an ancient sand dune. The calcrete limestone deposit below the Terra Rossa soil was formed by the action of rain on calcium carbonate marine deposits during the soil genesis
Very classy, structured red of typical strength and longevity. Its bright, slightly confectionary aromas of mulberries, raspberries, plums and cassis integrate tightly with sweetly scented chocolate oak. Firm and almost sinewy, the palate of rich plum-like fruit reveals a faint suggestion of pruney, stewed fruit, but is essentially long, firm and complete, supported by sweet vanilla oak and assertive tannins. (Coonawarra, 93 points, 2013-2021) Jeremy Oliver
