shiraz cabernet sauvignon 2015

BLEND 69.7% Shiraz, 26.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.1% Merlot, 1% Viognier

COLOUR Brilliant deep ruby red with purple hues.

AROMATICS Vibrant lifted bouquet of black cherries, raspberry and blue fruits; dark chocolate and hints of sweet spice, liquorice and vanilla follow.

PALATE A full bodied, generous, rich palate packed with dark fruits, ripe raspberries and chocolate; supported by fine coating powdery tannins, integrated oak, bright acidity and a lingering toasty finish.

AGEING POTENTIAL Drink over the next 5-10 years.

OAK MATURATION 20% new oak, mixture of French oak staves, Hungarian and American barrels.

WINEMAKING All batches were machine harvested and crushed to tank. A mixture of pre-fermentation cold soak and immediate yeast inoculation techniques were used to harness the unique array of characteristics coming from each block and variety. Inclusion of viognier in a batch of shiraz added an aromatic colour rich blending option. Once primary ferment and MLF were compete in tank they were transferred to a mixture of old barrels and tanks for 15 months maturation. Tank matured batches had French oak stave additions.

VINTAGE 2015 A wet and mild winter probably prevented many vines achieving full dormancy before passing into early rapid growth then a protracted flowering period through an even, mild spring. This resulted in uneven maturity and lighter bunches due to smaller berry sizes. Yields, as in most of Western Australia, were significantly lower than expected. Generally uniform mild-warm conditions persisted throughout summer and into autumn. Rain in mid-March tempered the red harvest, giving them time to catch up with physiological ripening.

WINEMAKING DATA Geographical Indication / Margaret River Harvest Date / pH / 3.59 Titratable Acidity / 6.7 g/L Residual Sugar / 0.1 g/L Alcohol / 14.5%