Vineyard: This single vineyard wine is sourced from the Florita vineyard in Watervale. The Shiraz block is planted on a gentle northwest facing slope where the soil is composed of a thin layer of loam over limestone. The vines are trained on a single cordon with a rod and spur to promote even canopy growth along the cordon, to provide optimal shade and to avoid crowding of fruit to reduce disease. The Clare Valley climate has a high diurnal temperature difference, which produces an elegant Shiraz.
Winemaking: The grapes were destemmed, carefully sorted and gently crushed allowing a small percentage of whole berries to pass through. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel fermenters with heading down boards, which submerged the skins in the fermenting must to gently extract colour, flavour and tannins. Pump-overs were conducted twice per day, with a rack and return each day. Fermentation lasted seven to nine days before being pressed; all the pressings were returned to the free-run wine. One third of the grapes were co-fermented with 15% of whole bunch fruit to impart complexity and an aromatic lift to the wine. Malolactic conversion occurred in tank before the wine was racked to French oak for 12 months maturation.
Tasting Note: Aromas of dark berry compote, fresh black berries and brambly notes show real purity of fruit. The palate is juicy on the entry with bright fruit flavours and a touch of spice. Rounded tannins and acidity that is light on its feet, match the dark, broody fruit.
