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 |
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 |
Nose is Reminiscent of ripe strawberries with black pepper.
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 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.