Bargain Coonawarra: Raidis Billy Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Raidis Billy Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Coonawarra, SA)
14.6%, Screwcap, $25
Source: Sample
www.raidis.com.au

Twenty year old vines, hand picked, hand pruned Coonawarra Cabernet that is just $25? Now this is one genuine bargain.

Produced by the Raidis family, whom first came to Coonawarra 40 odd years ago, this is produced off a block that Chris Raidis used to grow strawberries on. Luckily grapes prevailed over strawberries some 20 years back, with this Cabernet sourced principally form this small plot. The wines are made by Chris’ son Steve, helped by his wife Emma (nice people they are too), the grapes complemented by a second vineyard planted by Steve back in the mid 90s.

This Billy is easily the finest wine from the estate too, dark coloured, powerfully structured and stamped with regional mint. There’s an alcohol warmth here but that doesn’t detract from the mid-weight, curranty, choc-mint edged style. There’s a real essence of Coonawarra Cabernet thang to this without that modern, more oak and less tannins lavishness that can hide the regional/varietal combination. It could perhaps do with a little less alcohol and more delineation but otherwise this is very satisfying and well made. Yes.

Drink: 2013 – 2023+.
Score: 18/20 93/100
Would I buy it? On a list, with a year or two more? I’d be tempted if going meaty. 17.7+