Woop Woop Cabernet Sauvignon

Woop Woop Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-driven 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by acclaimed winemaker Ben Riggs in collaboration with vineyard owner Tony Parkinson, this wine draws on fruit sourced from Currency Creek, McLaren Vale, and the Riverina — three distinct South Australian growing areas that contribute layers of regional character. The 2007 vintage earned a Bronze Medal from the International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Commended distinction from the International Wine Challenge.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: South Australia  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winemaker: Ben Riggs

Production & Heritage

Ben Riggs is a veteran South Australian winemaker known for allowing regional terroir to speak through the glass. The Woop Woop range, developed with vineyard owner Tony Parkinson, takes a deliberately restrained approach to oak, using minimal oak treatment so varietal purity and site expression remain the focal point. By blending Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the cooler maritime climate of Currency Creek, the warmer McLaren Vale sub-region, and the inland Riverina, Riggs achieves a balance of ripeness, structure, and freshness that reflects broader South Australian terroir rather than a single site.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep brick-red in the glass with purple hues at the rim. The nose opens with ripe red berries and red plum before revealing a subtle eucalyptus note — a hallmark of many South Australian reds — layered over gentle oak spice.

Taste: The entry is bright and fruit-forward, led by juicy red berry and dark plum flavors. At mid-palate the wine fills out with ripe cherry, cola-tinged oak, and a touch of baking spice. Abundant ripe tannins provide structure, while a refreshing thread of acidity lifts the fruit and keeps the palate lively.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering red fruits and hints of darker, more complex fruit characters. French oak nuances emerge subtly on the close, adding a touch of spice without overwhelming the fruit.

How to Drink Woop Woop Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature (around 16–18°C / 60–65°F), poured directly into a large-bowled glass to let its fruit aromatics open up. Its fruit-forward, approachable style also makes it a strong base for wine cocktails. A Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola) plays off the wine's existing cola and cherry notes. A Red Wine Sangria with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy amplifies the plum character. A classic Mulled Wine with cinnamon, clove, and citrus peel pairs naturally with its spice and berry profile during cooler months.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where reliable, fruit-forward red wine is the goal
• Introducing new wine drinkers to Cabernet Sauvignon without tannic overload
• Casual backyard barbecues with grilled red meats
• Stocking a house wine that over-delivers at its price tier

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Woop Woop Cabernet taste like? It delivers a fruit-forward profile dominated by ripe red berries, dark plum, and cherry, with supporting notes of cola, baking spice, and subtle French oak. Ripe tannins and a lift of acidity keep the wine balanced and approachable.

How does Woop Woop Cabernet compare to other South Australian Cabernets? Where many South Australian reds lean into heavy oak extraction, Woop Woop uses minimal oak treatment, placing the emphasis on varietal fruit and terroir expression. This gives it a brighter, more immediately drinkable character compared to more structured, oak-driven Cabernets from the region.

Is Woop Woop Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — its fruit-forward style and ripe, approachable tannins make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring Cabernet Sauvignon without encountering the firm, drying tannins common in more structured examples of the variety.

Where is Woop Woop Cabernet made? It is produced in South Australia by winemaker Ben Riggs using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from Currency Creek, McLaren Vale, and the Riverina — three sub-regions that each contribute distinct fruit characteristics to the final blend.

What foods pair well with Woop Woop Cabernet? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and spice. Beef burgers with aged cheddar match its ripe tannins. A slow-braised beef stew mirrors its plummy depth. Hard cheeses like aged Gouda echo the subtle oak notes. Roasted eggplant with tomato sauce works well for a vegetarian option, as the acidity in both the wine and dish align.

What sizes does Woop Woop Cabernet come in? It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Woop Woop Cabernet worth the price? Woop Woop Cabernet positions as an entry-level to mid-range South Australian red, and critical scores across vintages have ranged from 84 to 88 points — strong performance for its value tier. The multi-region sourcing and Ben Riggs's winemaking pedigree add credibility that many wines at this price point lack.

Why Woop Woop Cabernet?

The strongest case for this wine is the combination of an experienced winemaker and a deliberate philosophy of restraint. Ben Riggs's decision to minimize oak intervention allows the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit — sourced across three distinct South Australian sub-regions — to remain the primary voice in the glass. Recognition from the International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Wine Challenge confirms that the approach works at a competitive level. For drinkers seeking honest, terroir-driven Australian Cabernet without heavy-handed winemaking, Woop Woop consistently delivers above its weight class.