Wynns Michael Shiraz 2018

Winemaking and Drinking

Wynns Michael Shiraz: The Elegance of a Legend

In 1955, deep in the heart of Coonawarra, a winemaker noticed something special in a small parcel of Shiraz. The fruit had an elegance and depth that begged for its own stage. That wine became the first Michael Shiraz, named in honor of the winemaker’s son—a one off release that quietly made history. For decades it lived in whispers until, in 1990, the name returned, reserved only for vintages when nature delivered something truly extraordinary.

The Winemaker’s Hand

Today, Michael Shiraz is guided by a steady and celebrated hand. The winemaker behind it is known for precision and patience, someone who walks the vineyards as much as the cellars, ensuring that each barrel reflects both place and season. With an eye for detail and a palate trained over years of crafting Coonawarra reds, she treats Michael Shiraz not as a product but as a statement—released only when the year’s fruit deserves the honor.

The Vineyards and the Ground Beneath

Michael Shiraz draws its life from select parcels within Coonawarra, a region carved into the Australian wine map by its famous terra rossa soils. Thin, rust colored clay sits over porous limestone, a combination that both nourishes the vines and keeps them in check, producing grapes with concentrated flavor and fine natural acidity. The climate, moderated by cool southerly breezes, lets Shiraz ripen slowly, building layers of spice and berry fruit without sacrificing freshness.

In the Glass

The wine is a masterclass in balance. A typical vintage will open with aromas of black cherry, plum, and fresh berries, layered with licorice, cracked pepper, and a faint floral lift. Oak plays a subtle supporting role, adding whispers of cocoa and vanilla without stealing the scene. On the palate, it glides between richness and restraint medium bodied yet deep, with flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, and a hint of clove. The tannins are fine and persistent, carrying the wine to a long, graceful finish. Cellar it for a decade and it will reward you with even greater complexity.

Accolades and Legacy

Michael Shiraz has become a byword for excellence in Australian wine. Critics have showered recent vintages with near perfect scores, praising its precision, poise, and ability to age. It regularly appears on “best of” lists, not because it is rare—though it is—but because it embodies a kind of quiet confidence. It is never made to follow fashion; it is made to honor the vineyard and the season.

To drink Michael Shiraz is to taste the harmony between land, vintage, and human touch. It is a wine that doesn’t shout but speaks clearly and eloquently, a benchmark of what Coonawarra Shiraz can be when everything aligns. Each bottle is a story: of a fateful decision in 1955, of the patience to wait for the right years, and of the belief that great wine is worth the time it takes to get it right.