The less than exceptional 1995 red wine vintage in much of South Australia (McLaren Vale excepted) has resulted in a sad, but ultimately sound decision by those responsible for the blending of Southcorp’s premier red labels (Grange excepted – or not???). For those to whom Wynnsday means a decent slurp of otherwise unaffordable red the news is bleak, since Wynns will release neither a John Riddoch nor a Michael Shiraz from this lamentable Coonawarra season. Similarly, a hole will be drilled into the straight run of excellent Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon by the omission of a 1995 wine. Unfortunate timing for all concerned, since 707 was poised to follow up its long-awaited spring up the pricing chart. Sad though the news may be, it’s excellent confirmation for drinkers of the above that Southcorp will simply not release the wines if they’re deemed not to be up to scratch. You can have no clearer guarantee. It’s well worth contrasting this practice with that adopted by most premium French producers who, as recent seasons amply indicate, are unafraid of simultaneously releasing substandard product at ever-inflating prices.
