Ian Hollick is one of Coonawarra's greatest characters - a genial man with a great zest for life. His talent as a wine-maker is enormous and the three black label wines from the oldest vines in specific blocks of vineyard are truly exceptional. All pure varietals, they really show how good the terroir of Coonawarra really is and, although they each have time left in bottle they are drinking perfectly at present.

Hollick Wilgha Shiraz - 2 bottles

The old sheep shearing shed (a wilgha in local parlance) now acts as the winery for this estate - hence the name. This old vines Shiraz is simply loaded with ripe blackcurrant fruit back by a rod of firm, ripe tannins. Massive on the palate and so long, it reminds me of the blackcurrant glycerine sweets I had for a sore throat as a child. I always said I had a sore throat because they were so delicious!

Hollick Neilson's Block Merlot. - 2 bottles

What a rascal! Old vines Merlot from this, the best Block on the estate. Rich in dark, ripe plum fruit with spice behind, a magnificent structure with every element in perfect balance and a long, lingering aftertaste. This is a classic in true Australian style and should be a must for any cellar.

Hollick Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon - 2 bottles

The superstar of the black label range. This old vines Cabernet is deep and complex with layer after layer of interesting flavours and nuances. The wine displays the usual blackcurrant and eucalyptus notes associated with cabernet but they are backed by hints of spice and cedar which marry effortlessly with the ripe tannin structure. A class act.