Winemaker Notes
As with each vintage of ‘footprint', only the most outstanding shiraz from the narrow planted rows of the Penny's Hill Vineyard is chosen.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2002 Shiraz Footprint has more of everything in addition to surprising structure, massive fruit concentration, and remarkable natural acidity. Aged in French oak (80% new), it may be the finest offering I have ever tasted from Penny’s Hill. A wine of enormous richness, this inky/blue/purple-colored Shiraz offers up aromas of ink, graphite, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, and white flowers. Dense and full-bodied, with great purity as well as length, it will provide immense pleasure during its first 15 years of life. Barrel Sample: 95-97 Points
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.