Wynns is privileged to have some of Coonawarra’s best quality and oldest vineyards. Each year, the Winemakers select just one parcel of wine to bottle separately. In 2021, the Messenger vineyard, in the southern section of the terra rossa strip, showed to distinction. Planted in 1975, Messenger Cabernet is a dry grown vineyard on deeper soils.

With four years of cellaring, this Cabernet has matured into a beautifully composed and expressive wine, retaining its elegance while gaining depth and complexity. The once-bright, plush texture has softened into a smooth, refined mouthfeel. Dark berry flavours now unfold alongside savoury cedar, earthy undertones and gently warming spice. The classic Cabernet structure remains, with tannins now silkier and more integrated, guiding a seamless palate. Balanced acidity keeps the wine fresh and vibrant, offering a graceful, layered expression with a long, polished finish.

First produced in 1954, Wynns Coonawarra Estate Shiraz, grown on amazing terra rossa soil, has been a staple, gracing many a table since then. Careful maintenance of the iconic vineyard and immaculate attention to detail sees the wine easily retain its outstanding reputation year after year. For a wine of its price it has the reputation of being very cellarable, as many of us have discovered over the years.

Malt, toffee and caramel characters lead, with lovely clean spirit lifting up florals and hints of rancio and raisin. The palate is elegant, fresh and smooth with spicy complex toffee and fish oil. A round and rich mid palate is made tight with clear fine spirit, and creamy intense malt notes stretch for a long, clean finish. Pair with dry coconut ice cream, dark chocolate ganache and baked apple or bitey cheddar with figs, dates and prunes.

Each vintage Wynns select a premium parcel from a single vineyard to bottle separately. This year the selection is from the Glengyle vineyard, creating a true wine of stature.

A classic Coonawarra Cabernet with pristine dark berry/ cassis aromas, fine-grained tannins and underlying savoury nuances, it develops into a rich, chocolaty wine with age. In a super vintage, this wine can look astonishingly like a 2nd or 3rd growth Bordeaux with its pure cassis aromas and cedary complexity.