Technical Analysis
Wines are crafted using fruit from a unique and expressive ‘old vine’ vineyard in the north-eastern region of the Barossa, owned, managed and worked by the Binder family.
Tasting note
Pure Shiraz flavours of plums, red berry fruits and chocolate are balanced with soft velvety tannins that linger very well on the palate. Matured in all new oak, with the majority being American, this is a rich and full-bodied wine that highlights classic Barossa Shiraz.
Vintage conditions
The 2018 vintage in the Barossa Valley was a good year for Shiraz. The growing season started off well, with winter 2017 rainfall around 10% higher than average. Spring was warm and dry, which helped the vines to establish a good root system. Summer was hot, with some protracted hot weather in January and February, causing the vines to shut down. However, once temperatures eased off and the grapes could fully ripen, showing some great potential. The wines from the 2018 vintage are full-bodied and concentrated, with ripe fruit flavours and good acidity. They are also relatively low in alcohol, which makes them well-suited for aging
Vinification details
Hand picked, starting before daylight and destemmed to an open-top tank for fermentation, chilled down for a 24-48 hour cold soak then allowing to gradually warm up and start fermentation. The ferment was gently hand plunged two to three times daily for approximately 9-10 days. Then basket pressed directly to quality American oak (60% new) with the rest seasoned French with 3-4 weeks barrel fermentation with natural malolactic fermentation followed by 18 months maturation in barrel. The wine was racked twice during this 18 months and then bottled un-fined, unfiltered.
AWARDS
Halliday: 96 pts
James Suckling: 95 pts
Technical Analysis
Wines are crafted using fruit from a unique and expressive ‘old vine’ vineyard in the north-eastern region of the Barossa, owned, managed and worked by the Binder family.
Tasting note
Upon inspection, an intense deep red colour is evident in the wine. Aromas of deep rich mocha, toffee and chocolate are combined with defined but not domineering oak character. The palate is extremely rich and velvety, with tight round complex flavours of herbs, cloves and deep pure silky Shiraz fruit. The tannins are veneered, smooth and soft with lingering persistence.
Vintage conditions
The 2016 Barossa grape harvest was a stand-out, with high quality fruit and supply returning to normal after several low-yielding vintages. A warm, dry, Spring, with good conditions for flowering and fruitset. Below average rainfall, combined with a warmer than average Spring and early summer meant the vines got away at a cracking pace. Fruit showed dense colour, and rich, vibrant flavours from early on. Fortuitous rain in January & March, with mild conditions throughout late Summer bode well with grapes, showing rich, ripe tannins. Berries were mostly smaller than average, resulting in more intense flavours. The vintage overall was excellent, with great flavours and colours (in reds) and surprisingly good natural acids.
Vinification details
Harvested from the Riedl Estate in the Barossa sub-region of Vine Vale, from vines planted in the 1890s and now classified as ‘Ancient’. These grapes with intense flavour were fermented as a small batch to maximise the attention we could pay to such rare grapes. Undergoing regular pumping over during fermentation and gentle pressing at the end of the fermentation to maximise the retention of flavours. The wine was then matured in 80% new American and 20% older French oak Hogsheads for 18 months prior to bottling.
AWARDS
Halliday: 95 pts
James Suckling: 95 pts
