Wynns Michael Shiraz 2019

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.

Michael Shiraz is Wynns Coonawarra Estate’s best-of-vintage Shiraz. Named after David Wynn’s young son, the fruit used for this wine comes from the best vineyard sites in Coonawarra and is only made in years when the best quality fruit is available. The wine is a legend of the Australian wine story with good examples of the 1955 Michael offering an outstanding experience.

Whilst Coonawarra received adequate winter rains leading into the growing season, judicious irrigation from the Limestone aquifer was important in maintaining soil moisture levels at flowering and set. The 2019 growing season was cooler than 2018 and more closely aligned to long-term weather data. Vines canopies remained in excellent condition through to the end of harvest; significantly benefiting from the typically cool nights created by the Southern Ocean. Picking dates were also close to long term average. 2019 was an excellent, classic Wynns vintage – medium bodied.

Initially restrained but opens up to aromas of fragrant dark berries. Underlying black pepper and dried mint add interest. Poised, juicy and fresh. Flavours of classic raspberry fruit ripeness spicy shiraz that are long on the palate. Fine tannins. This is a wine of freshness and power that will reward good cellaring.

"Matured for 14 months in new and seasoned French oak (15% new). If this doesn't set your heart aflutter, I don't know what will. Featherlight and concentrated at once, this has tissue paper-fine layers of black cherry, blueberry, graphite, licorice, chalk and ferrous notes. The acidity is flowing and ripe, weaving the layers of flavour together; the oak, invisible. Another beautiful release, with undulating length through the finish. I bet it'll live an elegant age." Erin Larkin

"Deep crimson. Intense blackberry, dark chocolate aromas with hints of cedar/ spice. Richly concentrated and sweet fruited wine with deep set blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, espresso flavours, fine loose knit chocolaty textures, and underlying savoury oak notes. Finish claret firm with cedar notes. Will develop very well. 14 months in new (15%) and seasoned French oak hogsheads (85%) and barriques (15%) Drink 2024 – 2036" Andrew Caillard MW

98 Points James Halliday, The Australian
97 Points Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion
95 Points Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal