Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil over limestone creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, producing wines with characteristic eucalyptus and mint notes alongside rich dark fruit. The region's cool climate allows for extended ripening, developing complex flavours while maintaining natural acidity. This Dark Horse exemplifies the region's signature style - approachable yet sophisticated, making it perfect for newcomers to discover what authentic Coonawarra tastes like.

The 2022 vintage in Coonawarra delivered exceptional fruit quality, earning this wine a 'Killer Vintage' rating of 90 points. Cool, consistent growing conditions allowed the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to develop intense colour and flavour concentration while retaining bright natural acidity. This vintage showcases the perfect balance between power and elegance that makes Coonawarra Cabernet so sought after by wine enthusiasts.

The wine's rich plum and blackcurrant flavours, combined with refined oak and soft tannins, make it ideal for red meat dishes like grilled lamb or beef steaks. The eucalyptus and mint hints complement herb-crusted roasts beautifully, while the liquorice notes pair wonderfully with aged cheeses. The wine's full body and balanced acidity can also handle rich pasta dishes with meat-based sauces or hearty stews.

Estate grown means Rymill controls every aspect from vineyard to bottle, ensuring consistent quality and authentic regional expression. This hands-on approach allows the winemaker to harvest at optimal ripeness and make immediate decisions about fruit handling, preserving the wine's natural character. The 90-point Estate Grown rating reflects this commitment to quality, resulting in a wine that truly represents both the producer's vision and Coonawarra's terroir.

Serve this full-bodied Cabernet at 16-18°C to showcase its complex aromatics and balanced tannin structure. Decanting for 30-60 minutes will help open up the plum and blackcurrant flavours while softening the tannins further. Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place - while delicious now, this well-structured wine has the backbone to develop additional complexity over the next 5-8 years.