Winemaker Notes
This is a rich ripe Shiraz blended from four of the oldest vineyards in the southern Barossa Valley. The only irrigation comes from the ‘Heavens' and typically these vineyards yield concentrated fruit flavours from fruit which yields less than 1 1/2 tonnes per acre. Traditional style vinification in submerged cap fermenters adds complexity to this wine style. Extended maturation in both new and older American oak and new French oak gives the wine a powerful structure with integrated fruit/oak flavour.
Enjoy this Dry Grown Shiraz with all full flavoured foods such as game, beef and vintage cheeses, middle eastern and Thai dishes. Splendid with Beef Wellington, rack of lamb, fillet mignon, rich Italian dishes, escalope of veal, puttanesca pasta, Raviolli or Gnocchi Bolognaise. Try caramelized onion and spinach tart, rich vegetable frittata and beetroot 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.