Wynns Black Label Old Vines Shiraz 2021
- 94
- $45
- Drink by: 2023-2035
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It was Shiraz which originally made the reputation of this famous region, even if today, Coonawarra is known for its Cabernet. There are some seriously old vineyards in the region providing superb fruit for wines like this. Fruit from the ancient Undoolya vineyard is included – it was part of the original fruit colony plantings from between 1894 and 1897. The Johnson’s Block, planted in 1925, also contributes. The average age of the vines used for this terrific Shiraz is 75 years. Deep opaque purple, we have aromas of black cherries, cloves, spices, bay leaves, warm earth, dry herbs, mulberries and blackberries, all leading to a generous and approachable palate, full of flavour, especially lots of chocolatey notes. Excellent length here, over which the wine maintains its intensity. A very fine Coonawarra Shiraz and a release which should sit among the best of this line. Drink over the next 10 to 12 years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
