Overview

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

Taste Description

Nose

Nose is Reminiscent of ripe strawberries with black pepper.

Flavours and Palate

Palate is fine and silky. The old vines give us generous redcurrant fruit at moderate sugar levels. Hence the restrained alcohol yet perfectly ripe fruit. This is a riper version of a Cool climate Australian Shiraz.

Download Tasting Notes (PDF 284 KB)

Awards and Accolades

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

“Old vine? Most definitely. The vines responsible for this complex youngster were planted in the 1890s and 1920s and are the reason for the concentration and fruit development. It will wriggle into your affections with its bright purple hue and tightly focused blackberry, black cherry, clove, saltbush and turned earth. Focused, tight with a developing full spectrum of black fruit intensity, licorice bullets, cigar box and fine tannins, it was newly bottled when tasted and yet so very persuasive. Has a way to go.” Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion

"Medium deep crimson. Fragrant blackberry mulberry with hints of vanilla, white pepper, sage and star anise. Generous and supple with fresh persistent inky blackberry mulberry fruits, roasted chestnut vanilla oak notes, lacy al dente/ chalky tannins and integrated crisp acidity. Well concentrated with very good density, volume and old vine torque. Finishes cedary with a fine tannin plume." Andrew Caillard MW

"An alluring contrast between succulent, glossy satsuma plum and black cherry fruit and medium-bodied restraint. The bright acidity of long, slow ripening and the fine tannins of chalk mineral terroir and French oak mark out a long and focused finish accented by black pepper. An impressive and effortless vintage that characterises the mood of Coonawarra shiraz." Tyson Stelzer

Viticulture

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.