Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Jim Barry The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon (Coonawarra, Australia) – $16.99, regularly $20.99.
Jim Barry Wines’ philosophy to winemaking is to own the vineyards to develop the best fruit flavours possible and retain these flavours during winemaking. Over the last 60 years the family has worked to establish a mosaic of sites – 17 vineyards covering 320 hectares in the Clare Valley and two vineyards covering 35 hectares in the Coonawarra.
On the southern boundary of Coonawarra (famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon) is the old Penola cricket ground, which first saw a ball bowled in anger and the flashing cover drives of the local champions of 1950. The cricket ground was retired in 1996. The following year, Cabernet Sauvignon was planted on the 30-acre property. The original pavilion and pitch have been retained, thus preserving an important piece of Coonawarra sporting history. Fruit from this vineyard, along with selected parcels of fruit from their owned Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the Clare Valley have been blended to produce our weekly offer this week – the Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon.
It is a rich, soft and approachable red, great for an everyday drinker. Classic Cabernet notes of dark berry compote and dark cherry combine with nuances of olive leaf with lifted red florals. The palate is lively with bright red blackberry and dark cherry fruit. The wine has an fine balance throughout the palate with fine tannins and a moreish, minty finish with slight touches of eucalyptus. Pair with grilled meats. This is a fine bargain at regular price, but on sale, its a steal of a deal.