winemaker's notes:
The McLaren Vale region is strongly maritime influenced, with considerable variation in climate between the hill slopes and the sea. The hills produce favorable seasonal rains while the coast brings ripening sunshine softened by cooling breezes.
Tintara fruit is 100% McLaren Vale and includes only the absolute best lots from both estate-owned and contracted vineyards. The vineyards are up to 70-years-old and provide the dense character and powerful dark fruit aromas found in the Tintara wines.
This 2002 Shiraz was fermented in small open top and stainless steel fermenters. Each fermenter was tasted 2 times per day to determine temperature and pump over regime—the end goal being the balance between fruit, tannin and texture. This technique is especially important when determining the correct time to press. The components from the open-top fermenters are then basket pressed which ensures the extraction of only the soft tannins.
The 2002 vintage is big, ripe and juicy with bold dark fruits, blueberries, spice and cedar, with nicely integrated fruit, oak and tannins, giving way to a delicious and full bodied finish.
