Balnaves of Coonawarra

Balnaves of Coonawarra sits at the southern end of Coonawarra's famous Terra Rossa strip in South Australia, where the distinctive red clay and silt soils produce some of Australia's finest Cabernet Sauvignons. The family planted their vineyard in 1975 and has run it for three generations—Doug Balnaves today leads the operation with his son Pete and daughter Kirsty. What sets them apart commercially is their dual role: they manage their own 58 hectares (70% Cabernet Sauvignon) while also managing a further 300 hectares for other Coonawarra growers, giving them both hands-on estate knowledge and broad regional insight.

About Balnaves of Coonawarra

The key to their approach is small-block viticulture: the vineyard is divided into blocks of just one to two hectares, each managed separately according to its specific characteristics. This micro-management creates numerous blending components, allowing winemakers to craft wines with depth and balance rather than relying on a single expression.

Coonawarra's Mediterranean climate—similar to Bordeaux but slightly warmer and drier—is moderated by breezes that arrive in the afternoon from the Southern Ocean, moving inland across the flat terrain due to the region's minimal elevation despite being roughly 100 kilometres from the coast. Cloud cover during growing season and cool nights lengthen the ripening period, maintaining freshness and acidity in the final wines. Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon typically shows medium to full body with concentrated dark fruit (cassis to plum), mint and eucalyptus notes, and firm tannins refined by careful oak maturation. Balnaves' house style marries intense, dark-fruited character with the subtle complexity oak aging provides, and their Cabernet Sauvignon illustrates the intensity and poise this vineyard can achieve.

Balnaves of Coonawarra Wines in Our Collection

The 2020 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (91 points, James Suckling 90, The Wine Front 93) is the entry point to the estate—a medium to full-bodied red showing the region's hallmark dark fruit, subtle mint, and spice from oak aging. For those seeking greater complexity, The Tally Reserve 2021 (94 points, The Wine Front; Vivino 3.7) is their top wine and represents what the vineyard is truly capable of. Named after the number of sheep one could shear in a day, The Tally is consistently rated among Australia's best Cabernets, offering layered fruit, refined tannins, and the balance that justifies its standing. Both are Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignons, so if you're looking to explore what this Terra Rossa strip produces at different quality tiers, these two bottles tell the complete story. The standard release is food-friendly and approachable; The Tally demands attention and will reward cellaring.

Food Pairing

Balnaves' firm tannins and concentrated dark fruit make these wines natural partners for slow-cooked beef—think braised short ribs, beef stew, or roasted rib roasts. The mint and eucalyptus notes cut through richness without overwhelming delicate flavors, so these are also excellent with herb-crusted lamb or venison. At the casual end, the standard Cabernet handles charred steak and rich cheeses; The Tally's complexity deserves game birds or aged cheddar.

Why does Balnaves divide their vineyard into small blocks?

Each one-to-two-hectare block is managed separately according to its specific needs. This creates numerous blending components, allowing winemakers to craft layered, complex wines rather than single expressions.

What is The Tally?

Balnaves' reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, named after the number of sheep shearable in a day. Consistently rated among Australia's best Cabernets, it shows the full potential of their Terra Rossa vineyard.

How does Coonawarra's climate help these wines?

Cool afternoon sea breezes and cloud cover moderate temperatures during growing season. Cool nights lengthen ripening, retaining freshness and acidity while concentrating dark fruit flavours.

Who makes Balnaves of Coonawarra wines?

Doug Balnaves leads the family operation today alongside his son Pete and daughter Kirsty. The family planted their vineyard in 1975 and has run it for three generations on Coonawarra's Terra Rossa strip in South Australia.

What style of wine does Balnaves of Coonawarra make?

Balnaves specialises in Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet/Merlot blends from Coonawarra. Their house style marries intense dark fruit with oak complexity; the 2020 Cabernet scored 91 points, showing concentrated cassis, mint, and refined tannins.

How much does Balnaves of Coonawarra wine cost?

Balnaves wines range between £24.55 and £72.30. The entry-level 2021 Cabernet/Merlot costs £24.55, while the premium 2021 Tally Reserve Cabernet reaches £72.30.