Black Label Shiraz 2018

Wynns Coonawarra Estate

Black Label Shiraz 2018

Wynns Coonawarra Estate

Black Label Shiraz 2018

RRP (750 mL)
$45.00
750 mL
$32.00
6 x 750 mL
$192.00

Overview

Overview

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 2018
Country Australia
Region Coonawarra
Volume 750 mL
Closure Screw Cap
Alc/Vol 13.8%
Peak Drinking Now - 2035
Winemaker Sue Hodder

Awards and Accolades

Awards and Accolades

95 Points Andrew Caillard MW
95 points Huon Hooke
94 Points James Halliday
94 Points Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion
93 Points Jeremy Oliver
93 Points Tyson Stelzer
93 points David Sly, Decanter
93 Points Mike Beanie
92 Points Angus Hughson
Gold 2023 Sydney Royal Wine Show
“Old vine? Most definitely. The vines responsible for this complex youngster were planted in the 1890s and 1920s and are the reason for the concentration and fruit development. It will wriggle into your affections with its bright purple hue and tightly focused blackberry, black cherry, clove, saltbush and turned earth. Focused, tight with a developing full spectrum of black fruit intensity, licorice bullets, cigar box and fine tannins, it was newly bottled when tasted and yet so very persuasive. Has a way to go.” Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion
"Medium deep crimson. Fragrant blackberry mulberry with hints of vanilla, white pepper, sage and star anise. Generous and supple with fresh persistent inky blackberry mulberry fruits, roasted chestnut vanilla oak notes, lacy al dente/ chalky tannins and integrated crisp acidity. Well concentrated with very good density, volume and old vine torque. Finishes cedary with a fine tannin plume." Andrew Caillard MW
"An alluring contrast between succulent, glossy satsuma plum and black cherry fruit and medium-bodied restraint. The bright acidity of long, slow ripening and the fine tannins of chalk mineral terroir and French oak mark out a long and focused finish accented by black pepper. An impressive and effortless vintage that characterises the mood of Coonawarra shiraz." Tyson Stelzer

Food Pairing

Food Pairing

Beef
Lamb
Duck
Veg
Pizza

Taste Description

Taste Description

Nose

Nose is Reminiscent of ripe strawberries with black pepper.

Flavours and Palate

Palate is fine and silky. The old vines give us generous redcurrant fruit at moderate sugar levels. Hence the restrained alcohol yet perfectly ripe fruit. This is a riper version of a Cool climate Australian Shiraz.

Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking

Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking

Coonawarra, South Australia

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.

Vintage Conditions

2018 is a vintage that shows the quality of shiraz from the best vineyard sites. Wynns 2018 Shiraz is spicy, silky and medium bodied.  Winter and Spring rainfall was excellent at 20% above long- term averages, soil moisture was replenished, and limestone aquifers recharged. Warm Summer temperatures advanced early ripening by two weeks. However, a strong coastal upwelling cooled March, and extended the ripening period so that picking was around long- term average. The Cool finish was ideal for acid retention and freshness. 

Sue Hodder - Senior Winemaker

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.