2022 Shiraz UNGRAFTED
Old dry-grown vines are rare in the world of wine and we are indeed fortunate that we can and do claim these as ungrafted. Growing in deep sandy soils, free of pests and diseases these old vines are strong, resilient and true to type. With red-ripe berries and golden-ripe stalks the grapes were picked at optimum ripeness, destemmed and gently crushed leaving some whole berries intact then fermented in open vats with heading down boards for three weeks, pressed then matured in old French barriques on lees for fifteen months. After this maturation period the wine was carefully racked and bottled as an exclusive cuvée.
Old dry-grown vines are rare in the world of wine and we are indeed fortunate that we can and do claim these as ungrafted. Growing in deep sandy soils, free of pests and diseases these old vines are strong, resilient and true to type. With red-ripe berries and golden-ripe stalks the grapes were picked at optimum ripeness, destemmed and gently crushed leaving some whole berries intact then fermented in open vats with heading down boards for three weeks, pressed then matured in old French barriques on lees for fifteen months. After this maturation period the wine was carefully racked and bottled as an exclusive cuvée.
Old dry-grown vines are rare in the world of wine and we are indeed fortunate that we can and do claim these as ungrafted. Growing in deep sandy soils, free of pests and diseases these old vines are strong, resilient and true to type. With red-ripe berries and golden-ripe stalks the grapes were picked at optimum ripeness, destemmed and gently crushed leaving some whole berries intact then fermented in open vats with heading down boards for three weeks, pressed then matured in old French barriques on lees for fifteen months. After this maturation period the wine was carefully racked and bottled as an exclusive cuvée.
Reviews
"A gorgeously styled wine, boasting a captivating blend of dark fruit intensity, vanillin oak, cocoa, and warm spice. It's impressively weighted with excellent depth and silky texture, combined with beautifully melded tannins, leading to a superbly long, satisfying finish. 96 Points." - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
"From old dry-grown vines, fermentation was over a three week period before maturation takes place in older French oak barriques for fifteen months. Deep dense maroon, the nose exhibits notes of spices, cocoa powder, soy, aniseed, tobacco leaves, mocha, chocolate and black fruits. Just a hint of a briary note – have they incorporated a tiny amount of whole bunch fermentation? Displaying a silky palate with focus and finesse, the wine has fine balance and a long, lingering finish, with satiny tannins. This is a fifteen year proposition. 95 Points." - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
"As the name suggests it’s from ungrafted Shiraz vines that are some of the oldest dry grown. Has a faint dried herb overlay merging with the savoury plummy fruit characters. A little spicy nuance adds further to the detailed aroma. The palate is more medium weight with impeccable balance while the fruit is laced with fine chalky tannins and complemented by fine-grained subtle oak. The older oak plays a role but does not intrude on the integrity of the fruit. An elegant wine with a savoury finish that makes it such a good wine with food even now. 95 Points." - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
"A balanced, chalky and vivid shiraz with red berries, warm spices, roasted peppercorns and some hints of game. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with pulpy berry character and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 91 Points." - JamesSuckling.com