Shiraz (formerly known as ‘Hermitage’) is an important part of Coonawarra’s history. The acknowledged reputation of Coonawarra for age-worthy wines has largely centered on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz blends. However the very early history (in the 1890s) centred on other varieties – particularly Shiraz.
Today Wynns is privileged to hold Shiraz vineyards on many prime locations within Coonawarra. Vines for this label are between 30 and 110 years old. Wynns ‘Black Label’ Shiraz is a superb example of Coonawarra’s cool climate style. Displaying great fruit character, this wine has rich and complex flavours of red berries, spice and chocolate with layered fruit underpinned by tightly focused tannins.
Varietal | Shiraz |
---|---|
Vintage | 2012 |
Country | Australia |
Region | Coonawarra |
Volume | 750 mL |
Closure | Screw Cap |
Alc/Vol | 13.5% |
Peak Drinking | Now - 2025 |
Winemaker | Sue Hodder |
95 points | Halliday Wine Companion |
Halliday Wine Companion
"Another vote of confidence in this relatively recently introduced label, sister to the Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon. It deserves to be so rated, with a particularly complex palate in terms of texture, structure and flavour. Red fruits lead the band, and there are some darker, savoury, earthy nuances, in turn enhanced by quality oak and fine, but persistent, tannins."
Concentrated dark notes of blueberry and mulberry with distinct bay leaf cedar providing attractive lift.
This wine is rich & complex offering dark brooding notes of blue and red berries, rhubarb and lingering spice and florals. The palate is lush with textural layers of red fruit and savoury components engaging with refined acidity, tightly focused tannins and skillfully balanced oak, forming a seamless and complete wine, expressive of its cool climate region.
Coonawarra, on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, is a flat, isolated region almost mid-point between Adelaide and Melbourne. The area enjoys a cool maritime climate - similar to that of Bordeaux - and is renowned for its unique terra rossa soil. Rich, rust coloured soils… crimson sunburnt faces… magenta sunsets: this is red wine country! While Coonawarra is famous for its rich, minty Cabernet, the area also produces Shiraz and Merlot and surprisingly good Chardonnay and Riesling.
Even and long ripening, with low rainfall and moderate yields, delivering full fruit flavours and balanced acidity.
Sue Hodder is one of Australia’s best-known winemakers and this year celebrates her 27th vintage with Wynns – making wine from wonderful, expressive fruit grown in the heart of the terra rossa. Sue commenced her career as a viticulturist and believes her early viticultural training – assessing vines, analysing mature fruit and tasting the finished wine – gave her an invaluable insight into the importance of the vineyard in quality winemaking.
Sue brings valuable experience with vintages in other noted wine regions around the world and has judged extensively in Regional, National and International wine shows. She is the recipient of many accolades including GT Wines ‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 2010 (with viticulturist Allen Jenkins); and most recently ‘Winemaker of the Year’ (with Sarah Pidgeon) at the 2016 ASVO awards.