Lindeman's Trio
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Three’s a (great) crowd; the story of Coonawarra’s celebrated trio
In 1843, Dr Henry Lindeman planted the first vines on his 816-acre Cawarra property, setting the roots for one of Australia’s oldest and most revered wine labels, Lindeman’s. While this iconic winery has its home firmly cemented in the Hunter Valley, its heart has always been a roamer; seeking out the best quality grapes to craft the highest quality wine. It was with this philosophy that Lindeman’s would find red dust on its shoes.
The allure of Coonawarra proved too strong
Between 1965 and 1968 the Lindeman’s winemaking team spent considerable time and effort surveying vineyards in South Australia. While they went on to purchase numerous plots of land across the state, it was the mineral-rich terra rossa soil of Coonawarra which they became particularly enamoured with.
These research trips proved fruitful and such was the promise and potential of their new vineyard acquisitions, the team were confident new great things were on the horizon. And thus, the celebrated Lindeman’s Coonawarra Trio was born; St. George Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Limestone Ridge Vineyard Shiraz Cabernet and Pyrus Cabernet Blend.
These three wines represent the quintessence of Lindeman’s premium winemaking heritage and over five decades of red wine making in Coonawarra. Each wine is a distinguished example of Coonawarra and of Cabernet Sauvignon, displaying this cherished partnership with distinct fervour – let’s dive in a little deeper.
The Single Vineyard: Coonawarra Trio 'St George' Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
The St George Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced exclusively from a single vineyard site of more than 45 years. The result is an elegant yet powerful wine, that defines its particular terroir with deft elocution. Blackberry, black olive and black rose are all commonly deciphered from this complex wine of Jimmy Watson winning pedigree (1980 vintage).
The Quintessential Australian: Coonawarra Trio 'Limestone Ridge' Shiraz Cabernet 2018
The epitome of a classic Australian blend, the Limestone Ridge Vineyard Shiraz Cabernet is also sourced exclusively from a single vineyard site of more than 45 years, but it is not of a single varietal. This full-bodied wine displays rich, juicy dark fruits, composite black liquorice and delicate spice flavours that are framed by fine grained tannins.
The Traditional Blend: Coonawarra Trio 'Pyrus' Cabernet Blend 2019
Capitalising on Coonawarra’s similar maritime climate, the Lindeman’s Pyrus Cabernet Blend offers a nuanced, Bordeaux-esque assemblage of four traditional varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Winner of the 1985 Jimmy Watson trophy, the wine is plush and expressive with free-flowing blackcurrant, plum and tobacco leaf, amongst a background of mint and a compliment of savoury oak. It delicately toes a balanced line between power and poise.
Collectively, the Coonawarra Trio comprises a group that is truly representative of one of Australia’s most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon regions. They are a coveted addition to the cellars of serious wine collectors proving their approachability in youth as well as their capacity for ageing.
Largely, these three wines benefit from the prized soils from which they are born. While they each speak to their story with delicious detail, this is just one chapter along Coonawarra’s illustrious trail. Take a look at this article to discover the big reputation behind this small, red-soiled region.