Wynns Coonawarra Estate Limited Release Michael Shiraz, 1997

Served alongside the Wind Gap Russian River Syrah (see below), this wine showed very well, illustrating some of the depth and complexity that comes with long-term aging.

Similar in color to the Wind Gap, though 11 years older. Initially, the bouquet is less expressive than the Wind Gap. Over the next hour, though, the subtle nuances begin to appear. On the other hand, black fruited Syrah flavors are up front from the moment the cork is popped. Warm, luscious and long. I think I like this Michael Shiraz, from a relatively weak vintage, even more than the 1998 Michael I had last week