Mount Benson is a new region on the Limestone Coast, located some 200 miles south of Adelaide. The first commercial vineyards were planted in 1989, and some big names have moved in subsequently, most notably, Michel Chapoutier from France's Rhone Valley.

The region is in direct proximity to the ocean and to the west of Coonawarra, making the area that much cooler. Like Coonawarra, the region also features the unique "terra rosa" red clay soil, but since Coonawarra has the commercial rights to the name, Mount Benson producers have taken to using the phrase "terra rosa by the sea."

Shiraz and Cabernet dominate the plantings here, and the region's producers have taken to adding a dollop of Viognier to the Shiraz, ala Chapoutier, in an homage to Cote-Rotie. Initial results have shown great promise and this is a region that will be watched with extreme interest in coming years as the vineyards continue to mature. (Wine/Appellations)