Surprising. This is the first time Wynns have released a classic Australian blend of Cabernet and Shiraz within their famed Black Label range. It fits as if it has always been there, assured and confident, a 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Shiraz combo from the northern end of the Coonawarra region. In the best of its style, the Cabernet leads the aromatic presence, dark-berried, a touch of mint and thyme bolstered with a charry, graphite-like dusting. Wait for the Shiraz to bring its A-game in the palate with a lively and juicy and just taut red berry thread that adds an exciting energy to the wine, its cool climate perriness spicing things up as well, all combining in a gorgeous, feathery lift in the finish that can only bring a smile to your dial. You just want to drink it now, though it will be worth a decent cellaring as well.

This is the first release of this wine, which comes from the old McBain Road vineyards. Of course, this is a classically Australian combination which continually produces some of our best wines. This was a very good year in Coonawarra, and it’s clearly exemplified in this most impressive initial release. The aromas certainly pick up the blackcurrant of the Cabernet, but then the red notes of cherry, and even some blue fruits, bring another layer of complexity to the nose. There’s a subtle, light peppery, dried herb character that complements the primary fruits. The palate is brilliantly composed. It’s medium-bodied and generous, with a delightful and appealing suppleness about it. But there’s a core of structural strength which holds its line and says that this is a serious wine. The combination of new and seasoned French oak hogsheads and barriques has been cleverly managed to compose a wine that is balanced, poised, and seamlessly integrated. Drink now for sure, but holding it in the cellar for at least 10 or 12 years would be worth the wait.

57/43% cabernet sauvignon/shiraz. This is the first vintage of this wine from vineyards along McBain Road in northern Coonawarra. Whether you're a claret drinker or not, it's impossible not to grin at the dense blackberries, two-tone mulberries and cherry skin. The sweetness of licorice allsorts makes an appearance, so too camp coals and red gum bark. The fruit is held in tandem with tensile acidity coated in fluffy tannins. It's chockablock with charm and built for modern drinking, with moderate alcohol and all the sweet tunes of nostalgia. Stunning.

This is medium weight and charming. It’s beautifully fruited, red and darker currant flavours doing the job, and then gently toasty, and herbal, and saltbush-like, and svelte. It shows bright/sweet fruit flavours of ripe plums and red cherries but then cabernet fruit takes over, adding both bass and treble and then keeping it going through the finish. Notes of bay leaves and tobacco linger through the aftertaste, positively. Nothing is out of place here, and everything is in good form. 94 points.