The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards from V&A Lane have been important contributors to Wynns’ top wines for many years. However this area is also gaining a reputation for a great Shiraz and a marriage of the two varieties is a part of Wynns history, going back to its earliest blends.
Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz |
---|---|
Vintage | 2018 |
Country | Australia |
Region | Coonawarra |
Volume | 750 mL |
Closure | Screw Cap |
Alc/Vol | 13.3% |
Peak Drinking | Now - 2035 |
Winemaker | Sarah Pidgeon |
97 Points | Andrew Caillard MW |
96 Points | David Sly, Decanter |
95+ Points | Mike Beanie |
95 Points | Jeremy Oliver |
95 Points | Tyson Stelzer |
94 Points | Angus Hughson |
92 points | Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion |
Gold | 2021 International Wine Challenge |
Mulberry, blackberry and blood orange with subtle nutty and black spice notes.
Co-fermentation of the two varieties creates a rich and textured style, with unique tannin structure. A long time on skins after ferment takes the naturally rich fruit into savoury and complex territory. Dark brambly fruits are layered with black tea, aniseed
and peppery spices. Velvety tannin creates depth and is defined by crisp acidity and beautiful line, leaving the palate full and long with a smoky gravelly finish.
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
Winter and Spring rainfall was excellent at 20% above long term averages, soil moisture was replenished, and limestone aquifers recharged arm Summer temperatures advanced veraison by two weeks, to the end of January. A strong coastal upwelling cooled March, and extended the ripening period such that Cabernet was harvested in line with long term harvest dates (6th April) predominantly from the last week of March through the first two weeks of April. The yields were moderate, and the slow cool ripening was very even – an ideal finish.
In 1998 Sarah was appointed winemaker at the renowned Wynns Coonawarra Estate winery. Here she feels privileged to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation, working with fruit from some of Australia’s top vineyards on the internationally famed terra rossa soil.
A love of well cellared, mature wines has been cultivated through her custodianship of the precious Wynns Museum Release wines. An intense knowledge of the terroir of Coonawarra vineyards, and great skill with coaxing the best from old vine Cabernets are among her constant rewards.
Questioning and challenging are important to ensuring a healthy future for Wynns and to this end Sarah has contributed to many important trials including development of a rigorous oak selection programme, and other technical trials for the winery.
A graduate of the prestigious Len Evans Wine Tutorial, her recent judging experience spans a decade at both regional and national shows.