Wynns Black Label Shiraz 2016

Wynns Coonawarra Estate was founded by pioneer John Riddoch who planted vineyards in 1891, recognising the potential of the rich, red terra rossa soil and the long ripening season of Coonawarra's cool southerly climate.

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.

A very warm and dry spring led to early flowering, veraison and harvest. The warm November temperatures were ideal for good berry set necessitating extensive green harvest (thinning) for quality. The grape ripening months of February and March were influenced by a cold “upwelling” off the coast but overall, a warmer- than-average Coonawarra vintage. We describe our 2016 wines as being at the “fuller” end of our long-term Wynns Coonawarra flavour and style spectrum.

Initially soft and creamy but the flavour builds across the palate to reveal a wine of balanced concentration. Silky tannins are a hallmark of our high pedigree, old vine Shiraz grapes. These prized vineyards reliably give us generous fruit which is stylish without heaviness. The 2016 has some milk chocolate notes attributed to the warmer vintage.

"Deep crimson. Impressive and beautifully made wine with intense ripe blackberry, cassis aromas, herb garden notes and vanilla oak nuances. Generous and inky with fresh blackberry, elderberry fruits, fine dense plentiful tannins and superb integrated grilled nut/ new oak complexity. Finishes long and minerally with aniseed notes. A lovely rendition of the traditional Coonawarra Claret style, even though its shiraz! Bloody good; arguably the best ever. Rare 1890s and 1920s planted vines form “the backbone” of this wine. 13.6% Alc" Andrew Caillard 97 Points"