Ranked #16 of 18 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra
85/100
3 Stars
Bob Campbell
Warm caramel, creme brulee/chocolate/coffee nose. Dense wine with painfully drying tannins. Too tough. Going nowhere. Quite oaky. 16, 18, 16, 16.5, 15.5, 16
Tasted: 02/02/2005
Drink: N/A
Wine Diamond
What a bargain!!.a magnum of coonawarra's greatest cabernet savignon for under $200.owning a bottle of John Riddoch is like doing 'hard time!!'-10 to 15 years.a magnum is 25 to life.i recently enjoyed a magnum of JR 1993 a lesser vintage,& it was wonderful.still 5 years from its peak.whenever i want to impress an overseas guest i reach for a JR.It is the finest expression of coonawarra cabernet. the upfront explosion of euclyptus,followed immediately with the more subtle notes of menthol,& mint.the piercing dry length that seems to last eons, as it penetrates your torso,& fills you with a lovely smooth warmth,through it's rich, balanced, full, dark fruit.this wine is a masterpiece without compromise.a great australian.
January, 2008