2024 Shiraz UNGRAFTED

$90.00

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

“This comes off some very old dry-grown vines that unusually have never been grafted. The aromas are intense, with a plummery, slightly black fruit character merging. Palate is intricately integrated with the fine chalky tannins, plush, smooth fruit, and nicely applied oak. This is an exquisite wine where the palate offers so much. Bright with energy and drive. Gosh, I could drink a bit of this. 96 Points” - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

“From aged dry-grown vines, ungrafted of course, fermentation is with whole berries in open vats, before maturation in old French oak barriques, on lees, for fifteen months. Purple/mauve in colour, on the nose we have notes of bay leaves, cassis, chocolate, plums, vanilla, spices and mulberries. A wonderfully supple texture, there also hints of bacon fat emerging on the palate. The wine has serious length with bright acidity, impressive balance, good focus and satiny tannins on the finish. To be enjoyed over the next twelve to fifteen years. 96 Points” - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot

“Opulent and sensually appealing, the pristine fruit richness is enhanced by seductive complexity, showing dark and purple-fruit intensity, toasted spice, vanilla, and cedary oak characters on the nose. It's fleshy and flavoursome, yet structured and robust, with velvety tannins, finishing impressively long and satisfying. At its best: now to 2039. 96 Points” - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Deep ruby-purple with excellent depth. The nose is lifted and expressive, revealing plum, raspberry and blackberry layered with subtle spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied and finely textured, offering vibrant dark and red fruits supported by fine tannins and balanced acidity. A savoury edge and gentle spice build through the mid-palate, leading to a long, pure and expressive finish. Freshness and structure speak clearly to the character of these Barossa ungrafted vines. A distinctive Barossa Shiraz showing purity, structure and site character. 95 Points” - Russ Gallagher, Vino Masters

"The fruit here is both sweet and earthen; the oak is coffeed, toasty and beautifully integrated; the finish is run with black licorice. Peppercorn and violet notes fly here and there; everything about this wine is top notch. Feel, flavour and finish are all elite, as is structure, and there’s a bit of difference in play, courtesy of graphite and smoked floral characters. 95 Points” - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front

“Original Barossa old vine plantings - hence the “Ungrafted” signature. Distinctive smells of Shiraz skins and fruit, blue florals - violet and lavender, with anise notes - plenty of savoury interest threading through the fruit. There’s a cooler climate Syrah like vibe to the expression, which registers just 13.5%abv, and an earthiness, pepperiness and palate tension, too. Drink now with your best char-grill steaks, or let it rest for several years to appreciate what should be an engaging evolution and no doubt a unique Barossa voice. (Points certainly would rise as well over time.) 94 Points” - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot