2021 McLaren Vale Shiraz Viognier

TASTING NOTE

A complex and enticing nose with florals, spice and some meaty savoury notes. The Shiraz delivers a solid core with dark plum, black cherry and loads of spice whilst the Viognier compliments this by adding a brightness to the wine. Fine grained tannins bring this wine to conclusion with a moreish savoury edge.

VINTAGE SUMMARY

We experienced an almost textbook growing season over 2020/2021 with rainfall back at long term averages and mild weather over flowering which allowed for good fruit set leading to above average yields.

Over the ripening period we experienced cooler than normal weather leading to an extended time on vine to develop some great varietal characters, exceptional colour and tannin whilst maintaining bright natural acidities.

VINEYARD

The Shiraz was sourced from a vineyard in the Whites Valley sub-region of McLaren Vale which is modern trellised vines planted in the mid nineties and grown on a soil formation that consists of red brown alluvial fan clays, sands and gravels.

WINEMAKING

The wine was fermented on skins in stainless steel open fermenters for 7 days before being basket pressed to stainless steel tank for the remainder of primary fermentation. Once sugar dry, the wine was racked off gross lees with approximately 50% going to third use French oak hogsheads and the remainder to tank for malo-lactic fermentation and a maturation period of 10 months.

Prior to bottling 4% Viognier was blended into the Shiraz to add fragrance and lift.

Vegan Friendly

FOOD PAIRING

Grilled beef short ribs with charred vegetables

WINEMAKER

Skye Salter

VARIETY: 96% Shiraz 4% Viognier

REGION: McLaren Vale, South Australia

SOIL: Red brown alluvial fan clays, sands and gravels

ALCOHOL: 14.5%

TA: 6.33 g/L
pH: 3.34

Awards & Reviews:

92 Points -  Stuart Knox, The Real Review

"Dense and rich ruby hue in the glass. Mulberry and lavender aromatics. Full bodied and weighty but well balanced by a solid frame of tannins. There’s a great intensity of fruit countered by black spices and ironstone savouries that ensure you remain interested from the start to the long dry finish" 

92 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, Ned Goodwin MW

"A very good Syrah. Floral, streamlined and pixelated with spicy detail. Lilac, kelp, blueberry, charcuterie and a smear of tapenade across a thread of peppery acidity and lithe, dutifully astringent tannins. The oak, a little obtuse. Full, yet deft on its feet, endowing poise and effortless drinkability."