Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz

Growing Region: McLaren Vale, Australia

Chief Winemaker: Geoff Merrill

TASTING NOTE:
The 2008 vintage was a testing growing season for the whole region - and will be remembered for the incredible heat wave that affected South Australia and the challenges related with it. The season began well, but once the heat wave struck, extra attention was required in the vineyard by all the team. Early ripening varieties were actually in excellent condition and Geoff and his team have produced many exciting wines from this vintage.

A few vineyard sites were affected by the heat wave - and ripened much fast than expected, with some red varietals being picked and processed with jammy and extremely ripe fruit flavours. Fortunately with all the effort in the vineyards these exciting, ripe parcels developed layers of intense flavour - enabling the team to craft some exciting wines from this vintage. With carefully selected harvesting and appropriate fermentation and extraction of colour, ideal fruit and spice characters - the wine was transferred to American & French Oak for 20 months.

In the glass you have a deep red colour with soft purple hues. On the nose the wine has typical McLaren Vale aromas showing dried spice, ripe berry fruits and savoury, smoky notes. The palate is tightly held together with a solid tannin and acid structure with ripe dark fruit characters reflective with this vintage. The wine shows good balance, complexity, well integrated subtle oak and has a long lingering finish. Decant for 30 minutes and serve at 16-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this coming season; and over the next 3-4 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with seasoned red meats, spicy pizza, and fresh pasta dishes, enjoy.

Classic McLaren Vale spice.