Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz 2016 [JH 97]

The apex of Wynns' Shiraz releases. Deeply coloured, it is still too young to enjoy, the oak, and the tannins in particular, are very obvious. A mere 5 more years will give you a wine to be enjoyed for the next 30+ years. In the meantime French oak, glorious black fruits and modest alcohol may be too much for some. 97 points.

James Halliday

Published 30 June 2021.

Michael Shiraz is Wynns Coonawarra Estate’s best-of-vintage Shiraz. 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 first Michael (then called Michael Hermitage) was a one-off from the 1955 vintage, made after proprietor David Wynn noticed the outstanding quality of the wine from two particular barrels and ordered them to be bottled separately. Named after David Wynns' young son, this is a legendary Australian wine.

Concentrated, crunchy berry fruit which is brooding yet enticing. Dusty French oak underlines juicy red fruit. As a young wine, we could already appreciate the silky fruit and texture that will develop further with time. These are the hallmarks of the great vintages of Michael Shiraz. Invitingly floral with lifted red roses and hints of black pepper against a background of pure red berries.