Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Shiraz, 2001

Coonawarra is recognized as arguably Australia's best appellation for Cabernet Sauvignon. But Shiraz grows pretty well there too. Wynn's regular cuvee is always a pretty good value about $10 to $12 a bottle.

Deep, dark ruby. Black raspberries, mocha oak, anise seed--very fruit forward and attractive. On the palate, the wine is ripe and ready--berried fruit with some spicy nuances. Probably at its peak and drinking very nicely. My only complaint is the high level of new oak, which, in my view, is unnecessary for good Shiraz. Then again, it's less oaky than the majority of Aussie Shiraz wines, and the wood tannins do not get in the way of the lushly fruity flavors.