"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" - Sue Hodder, Chief Winemaker.

With vines dating back to 1897, Wynns Coonawarra has become synonymous with high quality red wine, especially cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

Gnarled old vines, nutrient-rich terra rossa soil and a cool climate are the perfect ingredients needed to make elegant reds.  Wynns has the lot.  Despite troublesome seasonal variations experienced this past decade in Coonawarra, the integrity of Wynns wines has been entirely maintained.  With the help of Sue Hodder's elastic and sensible winemaking approach, the winery looks like it will produce great wine from 2010 too.  This year is Sue's 18th vintage.

The Coonawarra region is unique unto itself.  The dark red soil stretches only as wide as 1 kilometre and no more than 15 kilometres long.  The soil type has helped the region become one of the most highly valued and prized sites available to grape growers.  Indeed, it's important to note that Wynns has some of the oldest vines in the region.  As they say, from age comes beauty.

With a long, cool ripening period Wynns grapes slowly develop intense flavours and the fruit's natural acidity balances out perfectly just before harvest.  This is partly the reason why Wynns bottles age so well.  

While Wynns has become a well known brand - it's now the largest single vineyard holder in Coonawarra - it certainly hasn't sold its soul.  The work ethic of the Wynns team is admirable and rather effervescent. 

Wynns have mastered the art of making gourmet red table wine - the kind of wine that's both refined and elegant, yet expressive and rich.  Perfect for to accompany a hearty Australian Sunday roast.

If you can find it, James Halliday rated the Michael Limited Release Shiraz 2005 a whopping 97 points.

- Daniel Jess