$65.00
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Region: Heathcote
Grapes: Shiraz
First Glance: Smoky, Concentrated, Wild Berries, Ferrous Minerals
Acclaim: 94pts
The Wine:
15th vintage of Syrahmi Shiraz, hence named XV. A warm and dry start to the beginning of the year delivered significantly lower yields than an average harvest in the Heathcote wine growing region. The limited rainfall in spring and the extreme heat in Jan and Feb meant for smaller berries, which provided rich colour, concentrated flavour and lovely tannins. The days were hot but the nights were cool which gave the grapes time to recover retain freshness whilst slowly ripening.
90% whole bunch, wild yeast fermentation and malolactic fermentation. Fermented in open concrete fermenter, no pumping, hand plunged only, 34 days on skins before pressing. Free run only used for this wine. Aged in used 2800L Foudre 100% French for 20 months. Wine is left on lees without racking, then bottled unfined & unfiltered with minimal SO2.
Dark and deep purple, a riot of perfume encompassing ripe wild blackberries, violets, baked red earth, black pepper and dried thyme. Smoked meats/charcuterie, bergamot tea and black olive create a sense of excitement and wondrous joy. Complex, dense weighted palate with intense energy. Lifted perfumes of black olive tapenade, smoked meats with compounded black fruits add to the ultra-fine savoury tannin. Long, deep and complex with rich dark fruits, the vintage style has left this wine with freshness and texture for a very long and bright future ahead.
The Review:
Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 94pts
"Heady aromas of cherry and blackberry cordial, dried violets, baking spice and slight minty, medicinal notes float from the glass at first sniff. Chiseled, chalk-dust tannins tighten up the fruit, floral and spice characters on the midweight palate, and a mineral streak is present throughout."
