THE 2015 COLLECTION
The Wynnsday 2015 Collection WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE NEW VINTAGE RELEASES winemaking at wynns is a creative privilege. we have these amazing vineyards which we strive to understand in the ever-changing vintages against a background of a 60-year lineage and heritage. consequently, we are inspired by the future and the past. we are immensely proud of the 2015 wynnsday collection of wines. the quality reflects the low yielding and early ripening 2012 vintage. wines are finely structured with a clearly defined wynns style of balanced fruit expression. they are both current drinking and ageworthy expressions of a great coonawarra vintage. sue hodder, winemaker. 1
1896 to 2015 INSPIRED BEGINNINGS since the first vineyards were planted in 1891 by visionary scottish pioneer john riddoch, wynns coonawarra estate has steadily built its reputation as the coonawarra region s pre-eminent wine producer. with the longest-established vineyards in the region, wynns history is deeply intertwined with that of coonawarra. over the past two decades the vineyards have been meticulously rejuvenated resulting in wines that capture the true essence of the region varietal character with finesse. The entrepreneurial David Wynn purchased the winery and vineyard in 1951. Like John Riddoch before him, David Wynn recognised the extraordinary potential of the unique terra rossa soil and would go on to inspire the highest standards of viniculture in Coonawarra. In 1954 the winery created its first Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, now known as the iconic Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, under the guidance of winemaker Sue Hodder, Wynns wines are regarded as benchmarks for the region, lauded for their consistent quality and depth of flavour. In vintages where the grapes are exceptional, two flagship reds are made: the John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon and the Michael Shiraz, A range of single vineyard wines is further evidence of Wynns depth; a heralded vineyard is selected and the wine named in its honour. 3
Coonawarra Terra Rossa WORLD-CLASS TERROIR Coonawarra s international reputation comes from the regionally specific terra rossa. The unique combination of this rich red soil and a cool southerly climate is optimal for growing intensely flavoured grapes. Perched on a low limestone dune around 600,000 years old, Coonawarra s terra rossa is a narrow 20-kilometre strip that boasts the most sought after vineyard soil in Australia. COONAWARRA REGION to adelaide 400km Grapes grown in this cool, exposed environment ripen slowly, developing flavour and intensity, while maintaining balanced acidity. Ongoing productivity of the vines is underpinned by a shallow, unconfined limestone aquifer that provides plentiful water, supplied primarily by local rainfall and supplemented by underground lateral flows from the east. These climatic factors combine with the benefits of the free-draining terra rossa soil to create conditions conducive to producing low yielding, high quality grapes. WYNNS WINERY r i d d o c h h i g h w a y v & a lane COONAWARRA The resulting Wynns wines have long been regarded as among Australia s greatest known for their style and longevity. 4
i m proud of the responsibility i have for maintaining the quality of a range that represents coonwarra as a region as much as it represents wynns coonawarra estate it relates to being a custodian of a great winemaking tradition. SUE HODDER, WINEMAKER. 7
Winemaking Philosophy CAPTURING COONAWARRA at wynns, our winemaking philosophy is drawn from the responsibility to both enhance the historic vineyards and to continue to make classic and varietal wines. our winemaking style is a testament to the quality and heritage of our vineyards and underlies our philosophy of making wines that reflect vintage but retain distinct regional character. 8
Winemaking Team CRAFTED WITH EXPERIENCE S UE H O DDE R, WI NE MAK E R Sue celebrates her 23rd vintage with Wynns. Sue believes her early viticultural training gave her invaluable insight into the importance of the vineyards in quality winemaking. Sue brings valuable experience with vintages in Margaret River, California and Bordeaux and has judged extensively in Regional, National and International wine shows. SAR AH P I DGE O N, WI NE MAK E R Since joining Wynns in 1998, Sarah has cultivated her love of well-cellared, mature wines through her custodianship of the precious Wynns museum wines. A graduate of the prestigious Len Evans Tutorial, Sarah has contributed to many important technical trials including development of a rigorous oak selection programme. AL L E N J E NK I NS, VI T I C ULT UR I ST Allen and his talented viticultural team are deeply committed to the long-term sustainability of the vineyards, including reinvigorating large areas of old vines, and to ultimately growing the perfect grape. In 2010, in recognition of Allen s contribution to viticulture at Wynns he was joint recipient, with Sue Hodder, of the Gourmet Traveller WINE s Winemaker of the Year. 11
A benchmark collection THE 2015 RELEASES the 2015 releases pay homage to wynns signature wine style of fine structure and balanced fruit expression. the collection is a worthy reflection of wynns iconic wines comprising black label, v&a lane, as well as new releases of john riddoch and michael. in keeping with the wynns single vineyard tradition, the childs vineyard has been selected to be honoured with the release of its 2012 cabernet sauvignon. 15
New Vintage BLACK LABEL SHIRAZ 2013 shiraz (formerly known as hermitage ) is an important part of coonawarra s history. the acknowledged reputation of coonawarra for ageworthy wines has largely centred on cabernet sauvignon and cabernet shiraz blends. however, the very early history (in the 1890 s) centred on other varieties particularly shiraz and vines for this label are between 30 and 110 years old. a superb example of coonawarra s cool climate style, this wine displays great fruit character, rich and complex flavours of red berries, spice and chocolate with layered fruit underpinned by tightly-focused tannins. tasting notes VINTAGE CONDITIONS 2013 Even and long ripening, with low rainfall and moderate yields delivering full fruit flavours and balanced acidity. VARIETY Shiraz. MATURATION 14 months in a combination of new and used French oak (30% new). NOSE Concentrated notes of dark cherry and blood plums, followed by raspberry, bay leaf and lavender. PALATE Dark and focused, filled with juicy and vibrant fruit. Blood plum and magnolia pervade the mid palate. Sleek, plush tannins frame the bright fruit creating a seamless, layered wine, telling of its cool climate home. COLOUR Deep purple with a bright purple hue. ANALYSIS Alcohol 13.5%. PEAK DURATION Enjoy on release, or cellar carefully for 5-12 years. 17
New Vintage BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 first produced in 1954 as wynns coonawarra estate cabernet sauvignon, black label has established a reputation for displaying excellent varietal and regional characteristics. produced from only the top 20-25% of cabernet fruit available from wynns coonawarra estate, this wine has style and stature. a perennial favourite in auction circles, this wine is one of australia s most collectable wines and a benchmark cabernet sauvignon. it consistently delivers potential for medium to long-term cellaring, with the average age of the vineyard for fruit being over 35 years. tasting notes VINTAGE CONDITIONS 2013 Even and long ripening, with low rainfall and moderate yields delivering full fruit flavours and balanced acidity. NOSE Wild berries, black olive and rhubarb notes lead. Fragrant nutmeg and cedary oak is underpinned by delicate notes of sage and violet florals. VARIETY Cabernet Sauvignon. MATURATION 15 months in a combination of new and used French oak hogsheads (34% new). COLOUR Deep purple with vivid purple hue. PALATE Dark cassis stretches the length of the palate. Fine, powdery tannins and succulent acidity support rich fruit with exceptional poise. ANALYSIS Alcohol 13.5%. PEAK DURATION Enjoy on release, or cellar carefully for 5-15 years. 18
THE 2015 PORTFOLIO New Vintage V&A LANE SHIRAZ 2013 surveyed in 1851, v&a lane divides the original electorates of victoria and albert. the long, straight road has traditionally served as a landmark to separate the northern and southern vineyards in coonawarra. this wine honours wynns prized vineyards along the v&a lane. these vineyards ripen early and the distinctive fruit, which has a signature density and richness, are among the first picked each season. the resulting wines have a modern appeal being fresh and spicy, yet still maintaining a succulent and silky shiraz that can proudly play on the world stage. tasting notes VINTAGE CONDITIONS 2013 Even and long ripening, with low rainfall and moderate yields delivering full fruit flavours and balanced acidity. VARIETY Shiraz. MATURATION 15 months in three-year-old French oak. COLOUR Bright crimson hue. PALATE Cranberry and cherry flavours are contrasted by dark and intense fruit. Raspberry panna cotta creaminess leads, followed by bright fruit with tarry hints, shale and orange blossom. ANALYSIS Alcohol 12.5%. PEAK DURATION Enjoy on release, or cellar carefully for 5-12 years. NOSE An intense yet light and lifted aroma. Blueberry, choux pastry, and subtle hints of tar, black rose and orange blossom. 21
New Vintage V&A LANE CABERNET SHIRAZ 2013 the long, straight v&a lane has traditionally served as a landmark to separate the northern and southern vineyards in coonawarra. the cabernet vineyards from v&a lane have been important contributors to wynns top wines for many years and have great pedigree. this area is also gaining a reputation for great shiraz, and a marriage of the two varieties reflects wynns history through the early claret style wines of the 1950 s and 60 s. the distinctive fruit from these vineyards has a signature finesse and is the defining characteristic of this location along the coonawarra strip. tasting notes VINTAGE CONDITIONS 2013 Even and long ripening, with low rainfall and moderate yields delivering full fruit flavours and balanced acidity. VARIETY 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Shiraz. MATURATION 14 months in a combination of new and used French oak (15% new, remainder in one to five-year-old oak). NOSE Wild mulberry, brambles and briar with notes of spice. PALATE The co-fermented Cabernet and Shiraz creates a silky style. Hints of tobacco, tar, fig, stinging nettle and black pepper merge to create a complex wine. Linear fruit and crisp acid is complemented by satin-like tannins with a slightly gravelly finish. ANALYSIS Alcohol 13.5%. COLOUR Deep crimson. PEAK DURATION Enjoy on release, or cellar carefully for 5-15 years. 22
New Vintage CHILDS SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 planted in 1969, the childs vineyard has long been a crucial component for the premium wines of wynns, contributing to john riddoch, black label cabernet and, more recently, v&a lane cabernet shiraz. we rejuvenated the vineyard in 2009 and it is pleasing to see the results so soon. childs cabernet is charactersised by bright fruit and fine tannins, both of which are fully displayed in this single vineyard selection. tasting notes VINTAGE CONDITIONS 2012 A low yielding and early longripening season provided optimal flavour development. VARIETY Cabernet Sauvignon. MATURATION 13 months in new and seasoned French oak (33% new). PALATE A mix of summer berries, brambles and leafy spice notes defined by fine, chalky tannin. Both bright and complex, this wine has exceptional length and balance, finishing with red and dark berry layers, with a subtle layer of fragrant oak. ANALYSIS Alcohol 13.5%. COLOUR A vibrant hue is a signature of this vineyard. PEAK DURATION This wine will reward with careful cellaring for 5-15 years. NOSE Bright and youthful with classical Cabernet characters of cassis, mixed berries and sage. 25
New Vintage MICHAEL SHIRAZ 2012 michael shiraz is wynns coonawarra estate s bestof-vintage shiraz. the first michael (then named michael hermitage ) was a one-off made 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. this wine, named after wynn s young son, is a legend of the australian wine story with good examples of the 1955 michael hermitage still offering an outstanding wine experience. revived with the superb 1990 vintage, the fruit used for this wine comes from the best vineyard sites in coonawarra and is only made in years when the grapes are of extraordinarily high quality. tasting notes VINTAGE CONDITIONS 2012 A low yielding and early longripening season provided optimal flavour development. VARIETY Shiraz. NOSE Opulent notes of raspberry, red currant and rhubarb, with darker fruits including mulberry and black cherry. The elegant use of French oak adds subtle hints of cedar wood, nutmeg and hints of rose. MATURATION 14 months in new and seasoned French oak barrels (16% new). COLOUR Bright purple with vivid purple hue. PALATE Succulent, bright raspberry and mulberry on the mid-palate. Wellintegrated, fine tannins, restrained oak and balanced acidity with a silky, layered, textured length. ANALYSIS Alcohol 13.5%. PEAK DURATION Cellar carefully for 8-20years. 27
New Vintage JOHN RIDDOCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 first made in 1982, the john riddoch cabernet sauvignon was conceived as a flagship wine for wynns. john riddoch himself was a true visionary. amongst his many achievements are the building of the wynns gabled winery and the establishment of the coonawarra fruit colony. this wine is made in small quantities from the best available fruit grown on the estate s extensive cabernet plantings. it has become a definitive coonawarra cabernet sauvignon, made only in years when grapes of extraordinarily high quality are available, using less than one per cent of the top cabernet grapes. tasting notes VINTAGE CONDITIONS 2012 A low yielding and early longripening season provided optimal flavour development. VARIETY Cabernet Sauvignon. MATURATION 16 months in French oak (30% new). COLOUR Dense and bright, with a purple hue. NOSE Concentrated, intricate aromatics of opulent black fruits, fine cedary French oak and complex aromatics, merging with notes of olive and cassis. PALATE Majestic palate, filled with defined and concentrated flavours of cassis and olive, underpinned by delicate perfumed spice, cedar and tobacco notes. Firm, chalky tannin and bright, vibrant acidity enhance the structure and texture. Elegant French oak creates a harmonious wine with a lasting, savoury spice finish. ANALYSIS Alcohol 13.5%. PEAK DURATION This wine will reward careful cellaring for 10-20 years. 29
there is an intense focus on the needs of the vine, on implementing new and courageous viticultural techniques, and on unravelling the endlessly complex web of interaction involved in growing the perfect grape. ALLEN JENKINS, VITICULTURIST.
THE 2015 PORTFOLIO RIESLING CHARDONNAY SHIRAZ CABERNET SHIRAZ MERLOT Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling was first made in 1962 and has gained a reputation as one of Australia s most consistent, and representative expressions of the variety. This Riesling tends to show characters at the riper end of the spectrum, with an attractive fruit softness that is suited for enjoyment on release. First produced in 1981, this wine benefits from the cool southerly climate and the long ripening season produces a wine with excellent varietal character. Poached pear and stone fruit characters balance the soft natural acidity. Underlying complex barrel ferment characters present an elegant, beautifully balanced Chardonnay that will continue to develop with short-term cellaring. Since 1952 this wine has long upheld Wynns reputation as a producer of premium Coonawarra Shiraz. Typically this wine has aromas of ground black pepper, blackberry and distinctive floral notes. Delicate oak is used to match and support the fine palate structure, without dominating its distinctive cool climate character. A medium-bodied wine with a lingering finish that will age gracefully in the tradition of the original Wynns Hermitage. The first Wynns red blend (then labelled Cabernet Hermitage ) was produced in 1969, giving Wynns a long history with this traditional Australian style. The red-stripe blend of three red varieties creates a versatile wine suited to many occasions. Soft fruit and judicious oak create a wine that is perfect for current drinking or medium-term cellaring. 32 33
THE SIDING CABERNET SAUVIGNON THE GABLES CABERNET SAUVIGNON The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon is named after the railway siding a local landmark that played a defining role during Coonawarra s early settlement. Completed in 1898, the railway siding was responsible for transporting around 600 hogsheads of wine a year to Adelaide. The Siding delivers varietal and regional character that is approachable on release, yet will still develop with short to medium-term cellaring. For more than 50 years the Heritagelisted winery of Wynns and its famous gables have been a feature of Wynns labels. During that time the Gables have become a distinctive mark of exceptional Coonawarra quality. Crafted from small, select parcels of the region s famous Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, The Gables is designed to partner a diverse range foods and is a versatile addition to any wine list. 34
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NOTES NOTES 38 39
the fine wines of wynns coonawarra estate are deeply nuanced expressions of the landscape in which the grapes are grown.
Cellar Door, Memorial Drive Coonawarra SA 5263 (08) 8736 2225 www.wynns.com.au