1998 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Michael Shiraz (1500ml)

In the 1950's David Wynn and his family owned Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Today, the vineyard is part of the Southcorp-Rosemount Group. The birth of Michael Shiraz dates back to 1955, when David Wynn observed that two casks of Shiraz were of extraordinary quality, and had them bottled separately. The 1955 Michael Hermitage, as it was then known, was the start of a new legend in the Australia Wine Industry. The concept of Michael was renewed in 1990 and is produced only in exceptional years from the best Shiraz blocks at Wynns Coonawarra Estate. The wine is matured in new and one year old American oak, and used French oak.

Sue Hodder deliberately set out to develop a specific Coonawarra style with the Michael, focusing on the qualities of the region and sacrificing some of the voluptuous quality that is evident in Barossa Shiraz. The introduction of French oak has further seen a refinement of the style, with the wine almost 'falling into place' due to the exceptional fruit quality.

Tasting Note: A superb wine. Totally opaque, black crimson, purple colour. Magnificent aroma, filled with coconut, coffee, vanilla, liquorice, violets and ripe plum end notes. A very refined sniff. Mouthfilling palate - a concentrate of coconut, blackberry, spice and vanilla, followed by hints of truffle and blackpepper. Velvet smooth tannins, followed by very long aftertaste of confectionery, vanilla, spice, aniseed and blackpepper. One of the best examples of sophisticated Australian Shiraz. Cellar 8-10 years (2009-2011).

RATING: 97/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5