Winemaker Notes
This site is perfect for ripening Shiraz. Crimson red with a vibrant red hue, this Fighting Flat Shiraz has lifted cinnamon and nutmeg aromas with red cherry and toasted vanillin oak in support. Forty percent of the fruit was picked early whilst exhibiting classic cool climate white pepper flavour, the balance was picked when the fruit displayed ripe jube and aniseed characters. This enabled small batch winemaking to be implemented, with the two parcels carefully pieced together at the end.
The result is an outstanding example of cool climate Shiraz. Full-bodied with a fine grained tannin structure and a sweet fleshy middle palate. Nutmeg and cinnamon fruit flavours are complimented by subtle coconut American oak. This is a wine that will reward those with patience, however, for those who can't wait, it is a perfect accompaniment to lamb shanks or mushroom risotto.
Though Syrah originated in the Rhône Valley of France, Australia is home to the oldest Syrah (called Shiraz here) vines on the planet. Found in Australia’s Barossa Valley, where phylloxera has never threated viticulture, these ancient vines are between 140 to 175 years old!
Having brought fame and merit to the country’s wine scene since the early 1950s, namely via the debut of Penfolds Grange, today Syrah (Shiraz) claims rank as the most widely planted grape in Australia. In fact, the amount of land dedicated to Shiraz in Australia is now almost equivalent to what it is in France. Australian Shiraz has its own personality with flavors and aromas of intense blackberry, fruitcake, menthol, tobacco leaf and umami. Conveniently one can find great Australian Shiraz at a variety of price points but the very best will be dense, gloriously complex and capable of long aging.