2019 Clare Valley Shiraz

Bright crimson with a rich purple hue.

A complex aroma of black fruits, ripe plum, black olive, anise spice and toasty oak.

Powerful blackberry, dark jube and savoury spice. Tight-grained tannins and full-bodied richness.

Up to 10 years.

This Shiraz is made using fruit from two of our vineyards - both the cooler region of Polish Hill River and the warmer Armagh, north of Clare.

We have introduced a component of whole bunch to the ferment, which promotes varietal character. The ferment takes place in two and four tonne fermenters over a 12 day period, using natural yeast and hand-plunged. The wine is left on skins post-fermentation for an additional 15 days, enhancing tannin complexity and maximising flavour. This is pressed to tank then racked to oak after four days (25% new French oak,; 75% one- and two-year-old French oak) for a total of two years.

A low-yielding vintage has produced a very concentrated, elegant Shiraz, with notes of blackberry fruit and spice carrying across both bouquet and palate.

Alcohol - 14.5%

pH - 3.41

Acidity - 6.7g/L

95 points (gold) - The Real Review

"Really vibrant, youthful and purple in the glass. Aromas are all deep and dark, black fruits, spice, a hint of vanilla and eucalyptus. Full and rich on the palate, lashings of plum and mulberry, there's a minty lift and the tannins are grippy and granular and give lovely structure and mouth-feel. A deliciously youthful wine now with plenty on show, but time will really let this gear show its straps." - Aaron Brasher

95/100 - Ray Jordan for The West Australian

"This comes from the subregions of Armagh and Polish Hill River. There is a lot happening in this powerhouse Clare Valley red. Dark fruits with a coffee-grinds mocha thing happening with the blackberry fruitness. The tannins are dry and slightly chalky, while the oak has been liberally applied to harmonise with the deep fruit intensity. Finishes with a dry savouriness."

Angus Hughson for The Australian

"Superb colour and aromatic poise with a core of blue fruits and liquorice allsorts aromas plus a dusting of fennel seed adding delicious interest. It is followed by a fleshy but quite savoury palate - earthy, violet and spicy flavours before a long and supple finish."