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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.
| Varietal | Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Coonawarra |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Closure | Screw Cap |
| Alc/Vol | 13.2% |
| Peak Drinking | Now - 2055 |
| Winemaker | Sarah Pidgeon |
The aromatic profile is bold and enticing, with an immediate burst of dark fruits. Blackberry and blueberry dominate the forefront, accompanied by subtle hints of ripe plum. A layer of spice such as cinnamon and a touch of clove, add depth to the aromatic complexity. The nose is rounded off with a delicate suggestion of vanilla, a result of careful French oak integration.
On the palate, the wine unfolds with richness and intensity. Ripe black fruit flavours take centre stage, with black cherry joining the ensemble. The velvety texture is complemented by well-integrated tannins, providing structure without overwhelming the palate. There is a pleasant interplay between the fruit sweetness and a nuanced peppery note, showcasing the classic Shiraz characteristics. The finish is long and satisfying, echoing the dark fruit notes, and leaving a lingering impression of subtle spices. As the flavours gradually fade, a touch of
mocha and a hint of black pepper linger, inviting another sip.
| 98 Points | Huon Hooke, The Real Review |
| 98 Points | Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot |
| 98 Points | Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot |
| 96 Points | Jeni Port, Wine Pilot |
| 96 Points | Andrew Caillard |
| 96 Points | Ken Gargett |
| 95 Points | David Sly |
| 95 Points | Jamie Goode |
| 19+ Points | Matthew Jukes |
| 17+ Points | Janice Robinson |
"Opaque purple colour, bright and saturated, the bouquet superripe and essency, with sweet blackberry joined by licorice and melted dark chocolate aromas more like we'd expect from the Barossa than Coonawarra. A powerful, concentrated and plush shiraz that will reward long term cellaring, although it's supple enough to enjoy young. Mightily impressive shiraz."
"Brilliant colour to this 2021 Shiraz, made from the best of Wynns various parcels. A tightly bound aromatic core to start- black clove, tar, fennel seed and black olive with a generous backbone of oak. The theme continues with some dark cherry chiming into what is a densely packed style. Fantastic structure and balance which drive a long, strong finish. Sinewy now but all the elements are here to build beautifully over a couple of decades. An absolutely classic Michael release."
I know the Shiraz wines are less famous than the Wynns family of Cabernets and Michael must be resigned to standing behind John Riddoch in various photocalls and catwalk events. But this is a mistake because Michael Shiraz is an incredibly important Aussie Shiraz. It is a slimmer model than most South Australian wines, leading with intense red fruit, not black. It doesn’t pack in meaty notes or tar, and there is no liquorice or dark chocolate. What it has, in spades, is Coonawarra earth – glorious red dirt with its wistful aura, perfume, flavour and finish. This is a slim-hipped Shiraz with unique resonance and a luxurious air. Roses, cracked pepper, tobacco leaves and potpourri haunt the palate while the deep red limo cruises across your palate. Medium-weight and pervasive, not massive and bludgeoning, this is a modern wine with an ancient story, and I love it. Give it four or five years and have a go. It will let you in because the tannins are genial, civilised, and well-drilled. You can meet and greet and decide when to introduce this distinguished wine to your closest friends. One thing is sure – you need Michael in your collection."
In 2021, the Coonawarra vintage was as close to optimal as we can recall in the last 30 years. The preceding winter and spring were below average in rainfall. A warmer spring led to a great, fast flowering and set. Some “green harvest” was required to achieve balanced yields for quality. There were moderate temperatures throughout the season, with no extreme heat or cold. Our 2021 wines have a notable colour iridescence that follows to fruit vibrancy and depth of flavour. We certainly acknowledge the 2021 vintage as a great one for Wynns.
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