Bowen Estate is celebrating its 50th vintage in 2026. Unfortunately I was unable to attend a recent retrospective tasting, but these latest releases highlight a paradox. I simply cannot remember tasting a release that is so underpriced commensurate to the quality and authenticity of the wines. A while back Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was included in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, but it has since been dropped. Although this underrated label might not have strong currency in the secondary markets, Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a fabulous example of an age worthy Coonawarra Claret style and represents one best value ultra-fine wines currently available.
… represents one best value ultra-fine wines currently available.
2025 Bowen Estate Chardonnay, Coonawarra – South Australia
Pale colour. Creamy, white peach, nectarine aromas with vanilla, marzipan notes. Generously concentrated and minerally with ample nectarine, white peach, apricot fruits, fine lacy textures, lovely mid-palate volume/ creaminess and underlying marzipan, vanilla notes. Slinky and long at the finish with grilled nut notes. Classic and delicious. Wonderful value. Drink now – keep for a while. 13.4% alc 95 points
2024 Bowen Estate Shiraz, Coonawarra – South Australia
Medium deep colour. Ripe and expressive shiraz with lovely pure blackberry pastille, cassis herb garden aromas and flavours, fine loose knit chalky tannin and underlying peppery/ roasted walnut notes. Builds sinewy and long with bittersweet/chinotto, star anise, black olive notes. Very good volume, definition and torque. The alcohol is completely integrated into the wine. Drink now – 2032 15% alc 93+ points
2024 Bowen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra – South Australia
Medium deep crimson. Lovley pure cassis, dark chocolate, cedarwood, herb garden aromas. Classically fine-grained with beautiful blackcurrant, dark plum fruits, looseknit chocolaty textures, lovely inky density and well-balanced savoury, roasted chestnut/ cigarbox notes. Finishes claret firm, buoyant and long with hints of liquorice and spice. 50th vintage wine. Considering the ultra-fine wine reference points from Coonawarra, this release is exceptional. With a recommended retail price of $36 this offers exceptional value. Drink now – 2035+ 15% alc 97 points
