Winemaker Notes
This 'Hillside Shiraz' is the fourth release from the new plantings and an outstanding continuation of the Hillside tradition. From the very small, high quality vintage Colin Kay has made a truly memorable wine. An inviting combination of sweet ripe berry aromas, intense purple red colour and concentrated full-bodied flavours. Further bottle maturation will allow this superb Shiraz to reach its full potential and we recommend decanting 1 hour prior to drinking.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2001 Shiraz looks to be a return to the style of the blockbuster 1998. Denser and richer than the 2000, this dense purple-colored effort is full-bodied as well as loaded. Its sweet tannin suggests early maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. Rating 91-93.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.