Redbank Sally's Paddock 1997

We had the cousins over for dinner and told them we had hunted for a bargain red but we love them too much so we opted to open up something worthy of our last supper. The cousin folk were quite pleased that no $10 reds were locatable ( I blame Nansia for their MIA status), and were pleased with the idea of being spoilt with something fantastic.

Sally's Paddock is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. Very much an Aussie version of a Bordeaux rouge. Although the label states the winery is Redbank, Sally's Paddock is no longer made by Redbank since it was sold to Yalumba around 2003. However, Neill Robb still makes Sally's Paddock in the Pyrenees region of Victoria, and the wine continues to have an excellent status, in Langtons.


This wine has the ability to age many years, but we thought we'd open it at the ripe old age of twelve and were far from disappointed. The flavours were rich, tasting of briar, stewed fruit, black currant, eucalyptus and tea leaves. The oak is finely integrated and combined with fine tannins. All in all, this wine tastes much younger than its twelve years and would easily cellar for another ten years.

We had it with pan fried steak seasoned with Balsamic Vinegar and herbs. It was a match made in heaven! Good food, good wine, and good company.

At the time of purchase, this wine was around AUD 50.00. Current vintage is around AUD 60.00 which is a very modest increase, and makes it easy to justify inviting Sally over for dinner again. Who's Sally you ask? Best leave that question for Neill, its a rather complicated relationship.