WynnsProducer from South Australia, Australia

Wynns Coonawarra Estate, located in the renowned Coonawarra region of South Australia, is a winery with a rich history and a reputation for producing some of the country’s finest wines. Established in 1891, Wynns has become a benchmark for quality in Australian winemaking, known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals that beautifully express the unique terroir of Coonawarra.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate's story begins with John Riddoch, who planted the first vineyards in the region in 1891. He recognized the potential of the Coonawarra's terra rossa soils, which are ideal for viticulture. The winery's original stone cellars, constructed by Riddoch, still stand today as a testament to its long history.

In 1951, the winery was purchased by Samuel Wynn and his son David, who revitalized the estate and focused on producing premium wines. Under their stewardship, Wynns Coonawarra Estate established itself as a leader in the Australian wine industry. The iconic black label Cabernet Sauvignon, first released in 1954, quickly gained a reputation for excellence and remains one of Australia's most collectable wines.

The Terroir of Coonawarra:

Coonawarra's terroir is unique, characterized by its famous terra rossa soil—a thin layer of rich, red clay over limestone. This soil type, combined with a cool maritime climate, provides ideal conditions for growing premium grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. The long, cool growing season allows the grapes to develop intense flavours while retaining natural acidity, resulting in wines with great depth and balance.

Wynns' vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure the highest quality fruit. Sustainable practices are employed to maintain soil health and vineyard longevity. The winery's approach to winemaking is a blend of tradition and innovation, with a strong emphasis on expressing the distinct characteristics of the terroir.

Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, and winemaking techniques are carefully tailored to each varietal. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and open-top fermenters, with a focus on preserving the purity of fruit. The wines are then aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels, which add complexity and structure without overpowering the natural flavours of the grapes.

Wine Style:

Wynns Coonawarra Estate is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is celebrated for its elegance, depth, and ageing potential. The wines typically exhibit classic Coonawarra characteristics of dark fruit, mint, and fine tannins. The black label Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout, offering layers of blackberry, cassis, and subtle oak, with a firm yet silky structure.

In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, Wynns produces a range of other varietals, including Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Each wine reflects the estate’s commitment to quality and the unique terroir of Coonawarra. The Shiraz is known for its rich, spicy profile, while the Chardonnay offers vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavours with a creamy texture.

Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon - an icon wine:

Wynns John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine of Wynns Coonawarra Estate, crafted only in exceptional vintages. This wine showcases the best of Coonawarra's terroir, with intense aromas of blackberry, cassis, and mint. On the palate, it is full-bodied and richly textured, offering layers of dark fruit, fine tannins, and well-integrated oak. Renowned for its complexity and ageing potential, it is a true representation of premium Australian Cabernet Sauvignon.