Wynns 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.

There's plenty of noise out there about "cool-climate" shiraz, yet Coonawarra is often left out of this discussion. Time for that to change, especially with this outing, taking into account that 2019 was considered an "elegant" year in the region. This shiraz is definitely a fine example of what can be, given that context. Pepper – pink and black – with crimson fruit expression, bright and expressive, tended by finessed tannins that sit neatly in the back pocket of the palate allowing flavour and spice to dwell and delight. Apart from that - it's also really, really tasty. Drink 2023 - 2035; Price: $45.00; Alcohol: 13.4%; Rating: 96 Points; Tony Love

A perfect partner to the Black label Cabernet. This is certainly one of the best and most stylish yet under this label. It's from old Coonawarra vines that have been carefully managed by viticulturist Allen Jenkins. In fact, the vines date back to 1894. It's a beautiful example of cool climate shiraz in an excellent year. Red fruits with a cranberry pomegranate aroma sprinkled with black pepper. The palate is bright and fresh with those fine chalky tannins bringing structure with subtle poise. Drink 2025 - 2040; Price: $45.00; Alcohol: 13.4%; Rating: 95 Points; Ray Jordan