Vintage – 2022 was a fantastic year for grape growing in McLaren Vale while La Niña decimating much of Australia we recorded below average rainfall here. The mild summer and warm Autumn allowed for a gradual and therefore gentle ripening period offering conditions to produce outstanding fruit. We picked this Shiraz on the 22 March and although yields were lower than in 2021 they were good long term average yields.
The Cold Soak – This is a great way to get a gentle extraction of colour and flavour from the skins without the harshness of the increasing alcohol as a ferment proceeds. With 24-hour of cold soaking here we can really enhance red fruit characters.
Fermentation – Temperature is everything during fermentation, control it or it will control your wine and largely determine the outcome. A 7-day cool ferment allows for the extraction of a good depth of flavour to develop.
Maturation – Oak barrels are an essential part of finalising the wine. The 2022 has spent 10 months in 2–4-year-old ex-Squid ink American oak Hogsheads but when quality is this good the wine demanded some new oak, so some new American oak it got. For now, it’s back to oak for 3 months but get excited because this is a beast of a vintage.
The Wine – Heavy on the red fruits with an incredible depth and charm where cinnamon spice complexity roams the palate in youth and has all the attributes to go the distance. Mouth feel will not disappoint, full, round, and luscious with palate length beyond reach, don’t let anyone get in the way of securing this wine, including yourself.
Ageing – This wine should be enjoyed now to 8 years in good cellaring conditions.
