Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Shiraz 2014

$224.90

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Region: McLaren Vale
Grapes: Shiraz
First Glance: Old-Vine Concentration, Deep and Brooding

The Wine:

The 2014 growing season had a wet beginning and then average winter rainfall. A very dry spring followed and we had no rain after November. Two heatwaves in January were alleviated by 40mm of rain on the 14th of February which beautifully freshened the vineyard. We hand picked about 3/4 tonne of Shiraz from the Ancestor Vines Block on March 6th.

The fruit was destemmed and crushed before fermentation in a small open fermenter for 18 days with hand plunging three times per day. After fermentation was complete, the wine remained on skins for two weeks before being basket pressed and transferred to second fill French oak barriques. The Ancestor Vines Shiraz spent nearly two years in barrel before being fined, filtered and bottled in February 2016. The 2014 has been matured in bottle in perfect cellar conditions prior to release.

Musky plums, licorice and new leather aromas with plenty of sweet oak in close support. A dry and firm palate follows with perfumed old vine flavours, that linger beautifully over a strong finish accented by gravelly tannins. Superbly approachable but with plenty in the tank. This wine will drink beautifully upon release but will further reward careful cellaring for many years to come.