It comes around every year, on the first Wednesday of August. Sneaks around I should say: it’s a very low-key affair compared to the fanfare-and-drumroll launch of Penfolds Bin Reds and Icons. It’s indicative of the low-key approach chief winemaker Sue Hodder has brought to the job, in contrast to the high-profile Peter Gago.
Sue just gets on with the job, and it’s a huge job given that she and vineyard manager Alan Jenkins are looking after an area of vineyards that covers almost half of Coonawarra. More of that HERE.
The Low-hanging Gems
Wynnsday is about the special labels Wynns has added to the old John Riddoch and Michael in recent years , with prices that are way beyond our modest limit. More on those below. Of greater interest for us are the wines below the black label Cabernet Sauvignon, still the main attraction of the show. These have been released for a while now, but on Wynnsday Dan Murphys made them part of the show and priced them under $12 each. In a good year like 2012, these gems tend to shine brightly.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz 2012 – $13 at Pulpit Cellars. Terrific vibrant fruit here, with a lick of smooth oak, smooth and easy on the gums, medium-bodied and balanced. 94 points from HJ, 92 from Tyson Stelzer, 90 from CM at the Winefront (pretty much reflecting the way the reviewers tend to line up). We’ll go with 91. Bargain BUY.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2012 – $13 at Pulpit Cellars. This is a rich ripe red with the added plushness of Merlot. Lots to like here, full-flavoured but medium-bodied, good depth and length. Gary at the Winefront gives it 91, we’ll give it 90 points. Another BUY at this price.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate The Siding Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $13 at Pulpit Cellars. The star of the show in our book, terrific cassis fruit, rich and vibrant but restrained. What a mouthful , real class here and unbelievable value. JH gives this wine 95 points, Mattinson at the Winefront gives it 93, and we’re with him. Back up the ute!
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $26 at Dan M’s. Just out of our range despite being almost $20 off the RRP, but watch this space over the next few months and you’ll see better prices here and there.This is a great example of the style, lithe and elegant and built for the long haul. 94+ from the Winefront and we agree.
What about the Whites?
The fact that Wynns has never released a black label or special bin white from Coonawarra pretty much gives th game away: the whites are decent but leave the heights unscaled.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Riesling 2013 – $13 at Pulpit Cellars. Pretty delicate, almost austere style (12%). Some limes and apples but more restrained than Clare Rieslings for sure. Will improve. About 90+ points and good value at this price.
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Chardonnay 2013 – $13 at Pulpit Cellars. I’ve always found this wine a bit too oaky since the fruit isn’t all that strong. The 2013 is lighter on the oak and better for it, but it still dominates at present. We’ll give it 90 because we don’t want to be mean.
Please note: Pulpit Cellars is based in the Adelaide Hills and the freight charges outside Adelaide are a bit steep. If you live in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, it may make more sense to order from Winesellersdirect – the prices are $15 but they ship a dozen for free
The Aspirants
The stars of the show are the V&A Lane, Glengyle and Alex. And why shouldn’t they? Wynns’ vineyards cover just about half of Coonwarra, so there are plenty of sub plots. Winemaker Sarah Pidgeon is responsible from some of these Wynnsday 2014 releases:
- Wynns Coonawarra Estate Alex 88 ‘Single Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
- Wynns Coonawarra Estate ‘V&A Lane’ Select Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz 2012
- Wynns Coonawarra Estate ‘V&A Lane’ Select Vineyard Shiraz 2012
- Wynns Coonawarra Estate ‘Black Label’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
- Wynns Coonawarra Estate ‘Black Label’ Shiraz 2012
Here’s the team at the old Coonawarra railway siding: Sarah, Sue and Allen at least – not sure who the fellow on the left is. Can someone help me out please?
Kim
