7th August 2014
Sue Hodder and the team at Wynns have been in great form of late when it comes to cooler region Shiraz. From the White Label Shiraz (Reviewed elsewhere and an absolute bargain) through to the special release wines, the 2012 vintage has proved to be outstanding.
As good as the V&A lane is, I have opted to put both the white label and black label wines into my cellar from this stellar vintage.
(The Cabernets are also in top form: Watch out for reviews in the coming month).
Reviewed
Wynns – Shiraz – V&A Lane – 2012 (18 – 18.5+). Chewy, dense and textured, the fruit is a little subdued, but not overwhelmed. Opens to show ripe, high quality fruit, with a core of licorce and spice. The tannins are fine though prodigious, and the length/persistence admirable. A complex, serious wine that really builds in the glass. Cellaring recommended.
Singlefile – Grenache/Shiraz/Mouvedre – Clement V – 2013 (17.8). A lovely wine that balances ripe red fruits with subtle oak and fine tannins. This has cherry/berry notes with licorice, spice and even a touch of fresh herbs. On the palate, the fruit really sings, unencumbered by overt oak and there are hints of chocolate to close. An unusual blend for the Great Southern, but one that works. (RRP $30).
Wynns – Shiraz – Black Label – 2012 (18). The proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. Silky and refined, thought there is undoubted power sitting behind the fruit. The silky texture on the finish belies the age-ability of this wine. A lovely, mid-weight wine.
Thorn Clarke – Shiraz – Sandpiper – 2012 (17.8). Dense and ripe, yet relatively soft and approachable. Hints of menthol and spice over bright fruit characters. The palate is dense, with decent power, though the ripe fruit is accessible and delicious. Long, with fine tannins, this is a bright and clean Barossa Shiraz that is immediately enjoyable, yet capable of short to mid-term cellaring. (RRP $19).
Lamont’s – Shiraz/Viognier – 2012 – $28 (17.6). Quite a contrast to some here, in that there is obvious ripeness to the fruit. This palate is plush and textured, with the acid and tannins adding life on the finish and a touch of white pepper to close. This is not overly complex, but is a delicious fruit-driven wine. From Donnybrook.
Stormflower – Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz – Dry Red – 2010 (17.5). Menthol and mint with a touch of eucalyptus oil on the nose. The palate has ripe fruit that floods the mouth. This is a decent wine, with the minty fruit carrying right through the palate. There is excellent length and persistent, with very good palate transition. Fine tannins and subtle oak frames the fruit well.