Amongst the patchwork of Wynns vineyards on the famed terra rossa strip, one special area is V&A Lane. A long, straight road surveyed in 1851 which was the old district boundary between the historical electorates of Victoria and Albert. The mature Shiraz vineyards along V&A Lane ripen early and are among the first picked each season. The resulting wines have a modern appeal being fresh and spicy, yet still maintaining the succulent and silky palate structure of a Shiraz that can proudly take its place on the world stage.
Varietal | Shiraz |
---|---|
Vintage | 2019 |
Country | Australia |
Region | Coonawarra |
Volume | 750 mL |
Closure | Screw Cap |
Alc/Vol | 12.3% |
Peak Drinking | Now - 2031 |
Winemaker | Sarah Pidgeon |
95 Points | Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion) |
95 Points | Tony Love |
Silver | 2022 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards |
94 Points | Ken Gargett |
93 Points | Ray Jordan |
92 Points | Jeni Port |
92 Points | Angus Hughson |
92 Points | Huon Hooke |
"V&A Lane shiraz seems to be on cruise control these days. It doesn't need to overtake or slow down, even if the handbrake has been hit on the very modest alcohol. This a wine of finesse. Certainly flavoursome, with its puff of perfume and spicy red and black plums infused with Pontefrac licorice. It's lighter framed in a Coonawarra context, but it has shape. A very good V&A Lane Shiraz." - Jane Faulkner
"One of the Coonawarra’s little intrigues is the cooler micro-climate that occurs around the midway point, north to south, of the region’s terra rossa soil strip, where by chance the V+A Lane traverses. This wine is sourced from vineyards along that road, and clearly they can deliver fruit to fit into a modern, cooler climate shiraz style, honing in on a bright red fruit spectrum with juicy to sticky tannins to finish, amplifying that fruit-crush feel even further. Do take note, also, of the alcohol level at 12.3% – astounding and enlightening given the wine is perfectly ripe for its defined expression. Take your time with this one – it is understated to begin yet convincing once you have taken the journey." - Tony Love
"This part of Coonawarra which roughly bisects the region results in fruit that ripens earlier than most parts. As a result, the wine is distinctly different with slightly lighter body and more of that cooler climate leafiness. This has a spicy white pepper character on the nose overlaying the cherry and red fruits of this variety. Silky smooth and refined palate with super fine chalky tannins and a subtle lick of oak in support." - Ray Jordan
Lifted cranberry, magnolia flower and fresh pastry notes. The 50% whole bunches retained in ferment enhance the cool climate florals to next level.
Bright cherry and blueberry complement more savoury elements of stalks, pastry, and spice. There is a light yet expansive quality to the palate. The pure fruits though to lingering crushed pepper and cinnamon on the finish. This is an early ripening, early harvested wine. The resulting freshness and brightness with low alcohol and many layers of flavour has become a signature of the V&A Lane wines.
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.
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.