Still young, this cuts a dark, handsome profile, opening with blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice. The mouthfeel is big and plummy, and though fatter in feel than the other Wynn’s reds, it has the same fine balance that characterizes the line. Closes long, with well-integrated black fruit and oak. Can use two or three years to really strut its stuff. Cellar…
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
There’s a noticeable background herbal element to this intensely concentrated wine. Dense layers of cassis and chocolate are front and center, filling the mouth with velvety richness and finishing long. Despite the power and richness, there’s a structure to match, suggesting this will improve through at least 2012 and drink well until 2020.
— J.C.
(2/1/2008)
The wine is a bit peppery upfront, its bold blueberry and blackberry fruit marked by anise shadings. Medium to full in body, the texture is rich and velvety, with some dusty tannins on the finish that suggest ageability. Although it is approachable now, this long-distance runner will probably be at its best from 2015-2025.
— J.C.
(3/1/2010)
Spicy red and dark fruit, a bit of graphite and an herb note—in a positively Bordeaux manner—mark this youthful wine. Bright acidity supports the fruit, and the mouthfeel is even and supple, not fat. The finish is lovely, with cassis, black-and white-pepper notes and even, smooth tannins.
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
Though by all accounts, the Wynn’s is subject to tons of oak from start to finish, there is enough other stuff going on in this Shiraz that the oak didn’t take center stage. Cinnamon, tobacco and coconut perk up the bouquet; jammy blackberry and dark chocolate are the main players on the palate and on the finish.
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
Still kicking almost 20 years later, with good grip and fine tannins on the palate. Flavors are of black plum and earth; could still go another 5–10 years.
— D.T.
(2/1/2005)
Offers ripe, mouthcoating tannins, with a core of blackberry fruit. Finishes with some length; can last a few more years but is drinking well now.
— D.T.
(2/1/2005)