Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz

Growing Region: Barossa Valley, Australia

Chief Winemaker: Reid Bosward

TASTING NOTE:
I look forward to winter for many reasons, and opening a generous, fruit driven bottle of Stonehorse Shiraz just makes my taste buds smile even more. This wine as with most of Reid's wines is crafted to make styles that emphasise fruit characteristics with complementary barrel development. The time in oak is designed to support and add structure to the palate without compromising the approachability of the wine in its youth.

This wine was fermented at a temperature between 22-24C in stainless steel tanks and then transferred to mixture of some new and older oak barrels. After alcoholic fermentation, it also underwent complete malolactic fermentation. It was racked post MLF, and then returned to barrel, where it matured for 12 months. The average age of the oak barrels was about 3 years old. This has resulted in a hint of oak through the wine but still allowing the fruit to dominate. A blend of 5 different vineyards also gives this wine more personality than first greets the senses.

In the glass don't be afraid from the inky bright crimson with a dark centre and a youthful edge that looks to overflow in your wine glass. On the nose you will be confidently welcomed with black cherries, dark fruits of the forest and hints of cassis & spice. On the palate the wine is full bodied with a supple mouth feel. Dark berry characters, spice box and liquorice mingle on the palate continuing onto a long and persistent finish. Decant for 30-40mins and serve at 17C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this winter; and over the next 5-7 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with roasted lamb, wild pork, meat stews and rich cheeses - enjoy.

As with the winemaker, generous in its personality.